Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini hopes to see James Milner join them in the next 24 hours.
Mancini hopes to sign Aston Villa midfielder Milner by Wednesday at the latest.
He said: "I hope we can close it between today and tomorrow. I think Milner is a good player, an English player - which is important. I think he can play in different positions."
Asked if the deal would involve Ireland, Mancini added: "I hope so. We have today and tomorrow to close the deal."
