Manchester City are aiming to trump Liverpool for Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry.

The People says Barry, 28, is out of contract a year from now. Kop boss Rafa Benitez hopes to snatch him in a £10m swoop after missing out last summer.

But moneybags City have targeted Barry as the man boss Mark Hughes wants to replace Brazilian Elano.

City are prepared to offer England defender Micah Richards in a part exchange deal that could blow Liverpool out of the equation. Arsenal fancy Barry and a move to the Emirates would appeal to him. But they cannot compete with City's cash - or the tempting scenario of offering defensive star Richards as part of the deal.

Martin O'Neill is desperate to land Birmingham-born Richards, who is 21 next month.

Barry is desperate for Champions League football, but City are prepared to offer him a £100,000-a-week four-year deal worth £19.2m.

That is a carrot Liverpool and Arsenal can't match.