Like a spurned lover, Rafa Benitez continues to court Aston Villa in the hope of seducing them with enough money for the transfer of Gareth Barry to Anfield. Following the weekend’s stories in the press, Barry’s position at the club seems untenable with criticism of Martin O’Neill not likely to have sat well with the Villa manager.

It is understood that the revised bid is for £15m cash plus bonuses dependent upon Liverpool’s success. With Villa holding out for £18m, such an offer is not likely to be well received, especially as Liverpool have not managed to mount a genuine title challenge for nearly a decade.

O’Neill’s stance on the transfer has changed over recent weeks. Having been filled with righteous indignation when news of the original bid leaked towards the end of last season, Barry’s genuine desire to move and the agitation that has gone with it, has convinced O’Neill that the time has come to cash in on his unsettled skipper. Such funds would allow the Villa manager to enhance his squad in several positions and were the move to be completed shortly, sufficient time to allow any new players the time to familarise themselves with his expectations and the style of Villa’s play.

The loss of one of the most consistent players cannot be ignored but no player is bigger than any club. For Villa it is the chance to open a new chapter and build on last season’s improved league form, perhaps challenging successfully for a European spot. The top four seems beyond them next season but judicious investment may open up the UEFA Cup for the Midlanders.

Tags: Aston Villa, Football, Gareth Barry, Liverpool, premier league, Soccer, Transfer Gossip

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