Barry back in Villa training
16 Jul 2008 - 07:56:11
Unsettled Aston Villa captain Gareth Barry will return to pre-season on Wednesday following the latest twist in his proposed move to Liverpool.
Villa boss Martin O'Neill has yet to receive a suitable bid from the Anfield club for the England midfielder despite the transfer saga continuing to rumble on from the end of last season.
Barry was told to stay away from the start of pre-season training last week after criticising O'Neill in an unauthorised newspaper interview, but is now due back at the club's Bodymoor Heath complex.
The 27-year-old was openly critical of O'Neill's decision to reject a series of bids, while taking a swipe at the Villa boss for not doing enough to keep him at the club in light of Liverpool's interest.
But despite the protracted nature of Barry's move to Anfield, O'Neill insists he will stand firm on his valuation of the player which is thought to be around £17million plus Liverpool full-back Steve Finnan.
Meanwhile, Arsenal have also reportedly joined the chase to land the versatile midfielder.
"Liverpool have come back to us and we have responded to their proposal with a letter. We're still waiting to hear back," said O'Neill.
"It's really up to Liverpool. I really don't know how it's going to work out at the moment.
"I'm sure there will be some sort of resolution at some stage or another."