Liverpool are unimpressed by former Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry's decision to join Manchester City in a £12 million deal.

Liverpool spent all last summer trying to get Barry but baulked at the asking price.

Those close to Barry claim he feared the same could happen again - although Liverpool sources say he knew they wanted him and were working on a deal.

A Liverpool source told The Sun: "Gareth was still a target for Rafa Benitez and while Liverpool couldn't match City's personal terms they could give him the stage he wanted.

"The only conclusion has to be that he went to City for the money because they are not involved in any European competition next season."