Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill plans talks with skipper Gareth Barry next week over Liverpool's offer for the midfielder.
"I've spoken to Gareth and we will have further discussions when the season is over," O'Neill said. "He felt himself that he had been affected by the speculation. He felt it had affected his own game a little bit.
"He wouldn't want that to happen again with such an important game coming up on Sunday so we will speak again next week."