The Daily Mail says Villa are reluctantly ready to allow Barry to join Liverpool in a £14million deal even though manager Martin O'Neill remains adamant the England midfielder should stay.

Senior figures at Villa Park now view the matter as a lost cause and feel holding out for the best price is the only viable option. They, and Barry, may be kept waiting though Rafa Benitez continues his frantic efforts to generate the necessary funds through outgoing transfers.

O'Neill could accept fullback Steve Finnan as part of Liverpool's offer.