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Everton have made a last-ditch attempt to sabotage Aston Villa’s protracted courtship of James Milner, with both clubs yesterday submitting offers in excess of £10 million for the Newcastle United player. While neither bid for the England Under-21 winger has been accepted at St James’ Park, Newcastle’s valuation is close to being met.

Milner, who submitted a transfer request last week after repeated requests to renegotiate his contract were rejected by Dennis Wise, the Newcastle executive director, had been expected to join Martin O’Neill’s side before the closure of the transfer window on Monday, but Everton’s intervention represents an attractive alternative.

Everton have turned their attentions to Milner after conceding defeat by Liverpool in the race to lure Albert Riera from Espanyol, while Manches-ter City beat them to the signing of Shaun Wright-Phillips. After a sullen summer in terms of new faces, David Moyes, the manager, is desperate to add pace to his team.

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Having publicised details of Milner’s request on their official website - a decision that infuriated the 22-year-old’s representatives, who had been asked by the club to keep the matter private - it seems unthinkable that Newcastle would block his departure. Wise has already tried and failed to buy out the rights to Leeds United’s sell-on clause for a cash lump sum.

Details of Kevin Keegan’s meeting with Mike Ashley on Wednesday, which was called to discuss contract negotiations with Milner, Michael Owen and Steve Harper, as well as continuing attempts to bolster the squad, are still to emerge - including confirmation that it actually took place - but the manager will have detailed his dismay at the prospect of further weakening his playing resources.

Keegan has never favoured dispensing with Milner. “He’s the last player Newcastle United want to sell and I’m talking about the owner and myself,” the manager said this month. “James Milner won’t be leaving here, I’m sure of that.” That position has now changed, ensuring a renewed sense of urgency before transfer business ends on Monday. After suffering a number of high-profile disappointments, Newcastle have made only four signings and, even before recent developments, Keegan had spoken of wanting “three new players to come in: a defender, a midfielder and a striker, and I certainly don’t want to lose anybody”.

Newcastle have been credited with having an interest in Per Ciljan Skjelbred, the Rosenborg and Norway midfield player, Florent Malouda, of Chelsea, and Sebastian Larsson, of Birmingham City, but time is running short for the club to add quality to their ranks.

Milner is included in the squad to play away to Arsenal tomorrow, but that could change. Newcastle have had a third bid of £4 million for Stephen Warnock, the left back, rejected by Blackburn Rovers.

Meanwhile, O’Neill refused to be drawn on any potential deal involving Milner last night. “Maybe we can get a couple of players in,” the Villa manager said. “We’re trying desperately, furiously. It would give us all a lift.” Asked if one of the targets was Milner, O’Neill paused, smiled and replied: “Generally speaking, we are trying to strengthen the side.”

Everton, who yesterday confirmed that they have completed the signing of Segundo Castillo, the Ecuador midfield player on a season-long loan from Red Star Belgrade, are also keen on Victor Obinna, the Nigeria winger, who joined Inter Milan from Chievo Verona this week, but is expected to be made available for loan by José Mourinho, the Inter coach.

They have, however, had a second bid - believed to be of about £9 million - for Stéphane Mbia, the Cameroon defender, rejected by Rennes.