Aston Villa have scrapped plans of a testimonial for Gareth Barry, which is sure to lead to the midfielder joining Liverpool this summer.

The Mirror says the club set a date of August 9 for the game, but the proposal was scrapped after the Villa captain told manager Martin O'Neill he wanted to move to Anfield.

Villa now intend to use the date for a preseason friendly instead.

By then Barry, 27, is destined to be a Liverpool player, with the clubs this week likely to reach an agreement over a fee for the player, who has 20 caps.