Liverpool are weighing up an improved bid for Aston Villa's Gareth Barry, reports the Liverpool Daily Post.

They claim the Reds are ready to make a straight £15m cash offer, after Villa confirmed yesterday their skipper wants to join the Reds.

Anfield officials said on Wednesday such reports were "categorically untrue" and they have still not decided how much or when their latest offer will be tabled.

But with boss Rafa Benitez keen to wrap up a deal, an improved offer is likely to be made later today.

Benitez has already had offers of £10m and £12m rejected by Villa counterpart Martin O'Neill.

The Villa boss has always claimed that his skipper is worth as much as Javier Mascherano, who joined Liverpool for £18m in January - even though the Argentine is three years younger.