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Barry 'keen on Liverpool move', agent claims

10/06/2008

Gareth Barry's agent has claimed the Aston Villa midfielder has his heart set on a move to Liverpool this summer.

Alex Black says his client has informed Villa manager Martin O'Neill that he wants to join the Reds and that a deal will be agreed between the parties at some point in the next few weeks.

England international Barry has long been linked with a move to Anfield, especially since Reds manager Rafael Benitez declared his desire to sign the midfielder as a perfect foil for captain Steven Gerrard.

The two players have combined well for their country in recent games and it is thought that the opportunity to play alongside Gerrard on a regular basis, as well as the lure of Champions League football, has proved too strong for Barry to resist.

"Gareth has spoken to Martin since he returned from England's game in Trinidad and told him how he feels," Black told the Sun newspaper.

"At this stage of his career Gareth wants to be playing Champions League football and believes this is his chance to do it."

It is known that Liverpool have already submitted a bid for Barry, but O'Neill and chairman Randy Lerner rejected it out of hand because they believe it undervalued the player.

They are both keen to keep the club captain at Villa Park, although it seems this latest development could spell the end of Barry's 11-year association with the Villans.