Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry could still move to Liverpool this summer, despite Aston Villa’s claim last night that the Reds have failed in their attempts.

A statement from Villa Park said that Liverpool missed their deadline to offer the asking £18million price tag Villa have put on the England international, and consequently their skipper will stay at the club.

But reports today suggest that the transfer saga may not be over yet, with Barry and his agents set to meet with manager Martin O’Neil and chairman Randy Lerner on Friday morning.

It is understood that Liverpool were very close to finalising details of the £18million move, with co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett thought to have agreed to pay the fee after Xabi Alonso’s proposed £13million move to Juventus fell through, leaving Rafael Benitez short for cash.