Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is set to be blocked from signing Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry.

The Sun says Benitez will be blocked from signing Barry even if he raises the cash by flogging Liverpool's unwanted stars.

It needs a dramatic U-turn by the Reds' Yank owners for Barry to move to Anfield.

And that could see another ding-dong at the Kop when the transfer window shuts.

Boss Benitez thought he had the Aston Villa skipper when the clubs agreed an £18million fee.

But then Tom Hicks and George Gillett suddenly KO'd the deal.

Benitez refuses to give up on signing Barry, 27, and reckons bringing in cash from sales will do it.

Despite falling out recently, Hicks and Gillett are united in their stance on Barry.