The Reds protracted chase for the England international is now reaching epic proportions and with no sign of a deal being done Liverpool are ready to concentrate their efforts on bringing in Rafa Benitez's remaining summer transfer targets.

With Villa refusing to budge on their £18m valuation of Barry the two clubs have reached stalemate as Liverpool are not prepared to pay that price.

But Barry's desire to quit Villa Park has not lessened, nor has Benitez's desire to bring him to Anfield - meaning Villa boss Martin O'Neill will have to decide whether or not he wants to do deal with Liverpool or face the prospect of keeping a player who has already publicly admitted he sees his future elsewhere.