Former England and Tottenham boss Terry Venables says Aston Villa midfielder James Milner is the hottest player on the transfer market.

In his column for The Sun, El Tel wrote: "Wednesday it was £20million, on Thursday it was £25m and, yesterday, it was £30m.

"James Milner's value is increasing at a pace the nation's estate agents can only dream of.

"The Aston Villa midfielder, 24, has emerged as the hottest property in the Premier League, with Manchester City and Chelsea involved in a fierce bidding war to secure his services for next season.

"And, unlike the housing market, his price is showing no sign of slowing down. Heaven knows what he will be worth if things have gone his way come 10pm on Monday.

"We could be talking £40-45m IF he underlines his undoubted ability for England in their pre-World Cup friendly against Mexico at Wembley. I am sure the Eastlands and Stamford Bridge moneymen will be keeping their digits crossed that they do not have to fork out that much.

"But, let me assure them, he would be worth every penny."