It would appear James Milner’s 24 hour ultimatum has forced some action and it’s currently being reported that he is heading to Manchester for a medical. Presumably he’ll pass Stephen Ireland on the way. Not sure they’ll wave to each other.

As it stands, it sounds like our side of the bargain will be Stephen Ireland plus £16m. What will happen to that money is another question, but I wouldn’t assume it will all go to fund new players.

More later. The latest update I have is that Milner’s medical will not actually take place until tomorrow, whether that stops us completing Ireland’s medical and unveiling him as a new player remains to be seen. If that happens, I’ll follow up of course. If not, it seems it’s finally all over bar the shouting.

Obviously neither player is named in their new club’s respective Europa League squads right now, but clubs are allowed to make one change to the 25 man squad up to midnight the night before the game as long as the player is registered correctly. So, if this deal is completed and ratified by tomorrow, it’s possible that Ireland and/or Milner could make the debuts on Thursday.

James Milner vs Stephen Ireland Statistics »

EDIT: This deal have now been completed.