The domestic scene is at its quietest with a World Cup in full swing, but thanks to our boys back home, there will always be a corner of each paper that is forever transfers.

Midlands-based terrier James Nursey, along with Dave Anderson keeping the home fires burning for the Mirror, files an exclusive from deep within the corridors of Villa Park.

He asserts that City "have stepped up their pursuit of James Milner by telling Aston Villa face-to-face they want the England ace". Read that intro again, it scans like poetry.

James goes on to reveal: "They (City) are willing to return with another offer for the versatile midfielder as soon as England's World Cup campaign is over.

"City chief executive Garry Cook sought out his Villa opposite number Paul Faulkner at a Premier League meeting earlier this month." Well, he is a convivial chap, James.

The Mirrorman adds that Villa "are refusing to put a price tag on Milner as they seek to maximise his value if he does well in South Africa". Wonder how that's going ...

Elsewhere on a thin day for transfer gossip (and, by extension, What The Papers Say) The Mail's Screamer column reckons Sunderland are in pole position for a deal to land Nedum Onuoha.

Well done lads, keep up the good work. You're holding the fort, and at least your ears aren't buzzing from vuvuzelas.