Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill thinks so little of Liverpool that he refuses to speak to any representative about their interest in Gareth Barry.
Liverpool only learned their third bid of £13m for the midfielder had been rejected yesterday through a curt fax.
O'Neill, usually so hands-on, has instructed Villa owner Randy Lerner's PA Paul Faulkner to field all communications from Anfield.
His stubborn tactics have left Liverpool officials exasperated as they hoped to finally buy Barry, 27, this week.
