Gareth Barry may have to slap in a transfer demand at Aston Villa to get his move to Liverpool.
Liverpool have had three offers rejected, the last of £13m, and are prepared to make a fourth official approach this week, despite O'Neill's reluctance to discuss a deal for the 27-year-old after the Anfield club made their interest public before the end of last season. But Liverpool insist they will not pay £18m, and their next offer is likely to be left with Villa as Rafael Benitez considers alternative targets.