Villa reject new Barry bid

Aston Villa have rejected a new, improved bid, from Liverpool FC for their captain Gareth Barry. Liverpool are reported to have already bid £10m and £12m previously and the new bid is a ‘slight improvement’ according to the Midlands club.

Barry remains Rafa Benitez’s top target this summer but Villa have previously stated they believe the England international is worth as much as Javier Mascherano (£18m) and are looking for a fee nearer that figure. Barry though is 27 so Liverpool would argue that figure and hence the lower bids thus far.

Benitez has previously offered squad players Jermaine Pennant, John Arne Riise and Scott Carson as part of any deal, while some reports suggest Villa boss Martin O’Neill is only interested in a player-exchange if Peter Crouch is the player involved.

A Villa club spokesman said on Thursday: “The offer was a slight improvement on a previous bid but our position on the issue remains unchanged and Liverpool have been informed.”

Earlier this week Barry expressed his desire to move to Liverpool and has told O’Neill that he wishes to leave in order to play Champions League football.

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