Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is chasing Aston Villa captain Gareth Barry.

The Sun says Benitez is believed to have contacted Villa about a £12million move for Barry, 27, and has made signing the England midfielder his top priority.

Villa boss Martin O'Neill is desperate to keep Barry.

He has promised to improve his skipper's current £50,000-a-week deal, which has two years left to run.