Aston Villa Football Club News

• Nickname:The Villains
• Founded:1874
• Manager:Alex McLeish

• Ground:Villa Park
• Capacity:42,584

O'Neill voices Barry relief

31 Jul 2008 - 08:30:19

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Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill is delighted to have seen Liverpool's efforts to sign England midfielder Gareth Barry seemingly end in failure.

Villa's patience with the Reds finally ran out this week, with Liverpool failing to meet an asking price of around £18million for the 27-year-old.

O'Neill told the club's official website: "Naturally we're all absolutely delighted that Gareth will be staying at Villa Park and relieved that there is resolution and closure to the transfer saga.

"At a very positive meeting on Monday it was agreed between Gareth, his agent, Randy Lerner and myself that a deadline should be communicated to Liverpool to finally resolve the situation.

"Liverpool were informed and that deadline came and passed.

"Now we can all look forward to the season ahead with relief, anticipation and ambition."

Barry had asked to leave Villa earlier this summer, but Liverpool's interest waned in recent times as they focused on signing Tottenham Hotspur striker Robbie Keane.