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Liverpool bid for Barry rejected
Martin O'Neill is clearly frustrated by the situation
Aston Villa have confirmed they have rejected an improved offer from Liverpool for midfielder Gareth Barry.
Liverpool have been chasing the £15m-rated Villa captain for some time and were thought to be close to agreeing a deal for the 27-year-old.
"The offer that Liverpool have made is just not acceptable," Villa manager Martin O'Neill told the BBC.
"It might be difficult [to keep hold of him]. He said he would fancy going to Liverpool and that's a big setback."
O'Neill has been critical of Liverpool's pursuit of Barry, who captained England for the first time and scored his first international goal during the recent friendly against Trinidad and Tobago.
Liverpool are keen to partner Barry in midfield with his England colleague Steven Gerrard and have declared their interest publicly, much to O'Neill's fury. 606: DEBATE
Never will one person be as big as this club
villaman1986
"It's very frustrating," said O'Neill. "We finished sixth last year and he was a major part of that.
"He's been a splendid player for us for some considerable time and we want to try and improve because the club are capable of doing that.
"But if Manchester United are struggling to keep hold of Ronaldo then the rest of us are in a bit of trouble.
"It's difficult but if we have to go on without Gareth Barry then we'll still have a go."
The Reds are reported to have had an initial bid of £12m rejected for the player, who has been at the club for more than 10 years.
The latest bid is thought to be £13m, but Villa are said to be holding out for £18m, which could pose a problem for Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez.
The Anfield boss has admitted he is expecting to have a reduced transfer budget as a result of the feud between American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett. We have the spine of the team and we just need others in other positions
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez
"If we had a lot of money to spend it would obviously be better," Benitez said on the club website. "But if we don't, it doesn't matter.
"It is not about buying the most expensive players, it is about buying the right players and we can sell some players to get the others we need. We have the spine of the team and we just need others in other positions."
But former Aston Villa chairman Doug Ellis says the club should hold out for the £15m they believe Barry is worth.
"If Gareth goes, and I fear he will as Steven Gerrard has been begging him to do so - then right now I wouldn't sell him for less than £15m," said Ellis.
"If I was advising Liverpool, I would say 'dig deep' because he is such a good asset.' It will be a big loss to Villa and I would fight like hell to keep him - but of course I am no longer there." |
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