Liverpool and Manchester City are ready to test the resolve of Aston Villa for midfielder Gareth Barry.

The Mirror says Barry is about to enter the last 18 months of his contract and although Villa say they are happy to let the season pass they could now have new bids for the England star.

Liverpool now face rivalry from newly-rich Manchester City, with Mark Hughes keen to land Barry next month - and with the money to outbid them in the market.