Reds quiet on Barry bid

Liverpool yet to make progress in move for Villa captain

Last updated: 2nd July 2008

Gareth Barry Aston Villa

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Liverpool have yet to make progress in their bid to land Gareth Barry and insist they have not made a 'final' offer for the Aston Villa captain.

Speculation suggested that the Reds had made an ultimate £15million plus extras offer for the Villa midfielder on Wednesday morning.

Anfield manager Rafa Benitez has made no secret of his desire to land Barry and has made the England international his No.1 summer transfer target after showing initial interest before the end of last season.

However, when asked about a latest bid for Barry a Liverpool club spokesman said: "We have no further information."

Discussions

Aston Villa have declined to comment on the latest rumours, but boss Martin O'Neill recently announced that Barry could leave the club, if Liverpool meet their valuation which is believed to be in the region of £18m.

Barry, 27, is keen on a move to Merseyside in order to secure UEFA Champions League football and to allow him to team up with his friend and Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard.

The pair have enjoyed a close friendship since rooming together with England at Euro 2000 and Gerrard's presence at Anfield is believed to be a major bargaining chip in the deal.

Barry is thought to be keen to seek further discussions with O'Neill and it is reported that a meeting has been scheduled for Thursday.