Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill is ready to accept a cash-plus-player offer from Liverpool for midfielder Gareth Barry.

The Times says 'Neill is ready to accept Liverpool's £15 million offer for Barry now that Steve Finnan has been offered in a part-exchange deal.

The £10 million sale of Peter Crouch by Liverpool to Portsmouth means that Villa can expect to receive half the fee for Barry up front, with half to follow in 12 months, while O'Neill will be delighted to acquire Finnan after being without a recognised right back last season. Liverpool will also pay add-ons if Barry wins the Champions League with them.