James Milner has told Aston Villa teammates he expects to join Manchester City.
The Mirror says City and Villa are still haggling over a fee for the England midfielder, 24, who has 11 caps.
But the two clubs are believed to be close to a compromise after City's initial bid in May of £20million plus add-ons was rejected.
Milner has told team-mates a deal is likely to be struck soon as Villa need to generate cash to fund their own moves in the market.
Villa boss Martin O'Neill, who has to sell-to-buy, has transfers for Spurs' Robbie Keane and Celtic's Aiden McGeady already lined-up.
Now Milner is waiting on the green light to be given permission to speak to City officials.
And a deal for Milner could include out-of-favour City midfielder Stephen Ireland going in the opposite direction as they are unwilling to pay £30m cash.
