O'Neill upset over Milner episode

O'Neill was keen on bringing Milner back to Villa

Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill has criticised Newcastle for pulling out of a deal for James Milner.

Milner, 20, was set to complete a move from Newcastle after the clubs agreed a deal, only for the Magpies to change their mind and recall the winger.

"We are disappointed because of the lateness of the decision," O'Neill told the club's website.

"Newcastle are entitled to do what they did, but we are disappointed because it came so late in the day."

Milner spent last season on loan at Villa Park and was keen to return on a permanent basis.

He was given permission to travel to Villa after Newcastle accepted a £4m offer but after Milner agreed personal terms the Magpies decided to call off the deal.

O'Neill added: "It's over now and I'm upset for Villa that we don't have James at the football club.

"He enjoyed himself here last season and did well and we wanted him to continue that.

"We tried right up until midnight to keep the deal alive. Some transfers are dependent on other transfers and we think that might have been the case with this one and that's why it never materialised."