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Villa reject latest Liverpool bid for Barry

12/06/2008

Aston Villa have rejected the latest offer from Liverpool for club captain Gareth Barry.

The 27-year-old England international is coveted by the Reds after proving himself to be an excellent midfield foil for Steven Gerrard in the national team.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has made clear his interest in signing Barry and the Villans released a statement yesterday revealing that the player himself has informed manager Martin O'Neill that he would like to leave for Merseyside.

However, Villa look to be playing hardball over the prospective transfer and are holding out until the Anfield outfit meet their specific valuation of Barry, which is believed to be around £15 million.

And this morning the club provided an update on the situation, revealing that an improved offer – thought to be worth around £12 million – had been tabled by Barry's suitors but that it has also been turned down.

"Liverpool's latest attempt to prise club captain Gareth Barry away from Villa Park has failed," the club statement read.

"A new bid was received late last night but was rejected."

A spokesman for Villa added: "The offer was a slight improvement on a previous bid but our position on the issue remains unchanged and Liverpool have been informed."