Recently in Gossip Category

We have started a new service here for local football fans... our Live Blog brings together our sports writers and our fans on one live blog.

So far we have had a massive interest - mainly from Blues fans! We want to change that. This Saturday we are concentrating on the Villa game in the afternoon - spread the word, share it on the forums you use. We have had some great interaction with the Villa fans abroad.

It's also a good opportunity to talk libe online to our Villa writers Mat Kendrick and Bill Howell. Here's the format below.... look forward to seeing you! email me at steve.wollaston@sundaymercury.net if you want more details.

http://www.sundaymercury.net/midlands-sport/aston-villa-fc/2009/01/28/log-on-for-live-football-chat-and-action-involving-birmingham-city-aston-villa-west-brom-and-wolves-97319-22789807/

MARTIN O'Neill will have to wait until Wednesday to see whether Newcastle will give in to his pursuit of James Milner.

Kevin Keegan will hold a meeting with the Magpies' board this week where his priority will be the issue of a new contract for England striker Michael Owen.

But Milner's role at the club will also be discussed which will leave Villa waiting in the wings for the outcome of those discussions.

Villa have already had a £9 million bid rejected for their top target but are refusing to give up on the England Under-21 star who has remained in O'Neill's sights ever since he arrived in the West Midlands.

Keegan is keen to keep hold of the midfielder but he may be unable to stop his board turning down a big money offer from Villa.

SHAUN Maloney's on-off return to Celtic looks to be well and truly on, according to a report from the Guardian.

There has been much debate over what sort of fee would be behind a return north of the border, but if the reported figure of £1million is correct, then it's likely Martin O'Neill will need to ask Randy Lerner to dig deep into his pockets again to fund a replacement.

With a side which many believe requires more strength in depth in wide positions, it will be interesting to see what, if anything, the Villa boss has up his sleeve should Maloney make his widely anticipated move back to Parkhead.

IN the endless summer transfer talk that's surrounded Villa, there's been one 'will he, won't he?' debate that's gone under the radar.

Scottish midfielder Shaun Maloney seems to have been linked with a return to Celtic pretty much since he arrived at the club.

But the rumours surrounding his future appear to have reached fever pitch thanks to comments from his agent suggesting that three clubs are now interested in ending Maloney's time in Birmingham.

Despite this, Celtic would still appear to sit in pole position given the player's former links with the club.

FREDDIE Ljungberg is the latest player to be linked with a switch to Villa Park.

Several of the red tops have today linked the former Arsenal and West Ham midfielder with Martin O'Neill's men.

The Swedish star is currently out of contract following his release from Upton Park after a year where he failed to reach the level of form he had acheived at Highbury.

But with Ljungberg reaching the twilight years of his career, signing him would appear, on face value, to go completely against the grain of signing O'Neill has been making during his time at Villa Park.