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Villa suspend Barry over transfer speculation

02/07/2008

Aston Villa have told wantaway midfielder Gareth Barry not to return to the club for pre-season training tomorrow.

The 27-year-old has been disciplined by the club over comments he made to the News of the World newspaper last week, claiming manager Martin O'Neill had failed to make enough of an effort to keep him at the club this summer.

Barry insists he has had very little contact from the Villa boss since the end of the season and as a result he feels he must leave for Liverpool in order to further his career.

And today, O'Neill confirmed: "Gareth will not be returning to training tomorrow and he has been disciplined after giving an unauthorised interview to the News of the World."

Meanwhile, O'Neill has denied reports this morning that Liverpool have made a final offer of £15 million for the England international in an attempt to end the ongoing bidding war.

Media speculation suggested the Reds are keen to have the prospective transfer of Barry wrapped up as soon as possible and had therefore tabled a 'take it or leave it' offer.

However, O'Neill stated "there is no truth" in the reports, adding: "The situation remains the same."