Martin O'Neill has confirmed that Arsenal have made their interest in midfielder Gareth Barry known. The Aston Villa midfielder has been linked with a move to Liverpool all summer; but a move was scuppered over the transfer fee.

It is understood that Arsene Wenger has eyed Barry as a potential replacement for Mathieu Flamini; who joined AC Milan on a Bosman earlier in the summer.

"Myself and Steve Walford both know Arsene Wenger's assistant Pat Rice," O'Neill said.

"He phoned Steve to ask how the Liverpool thing had gone and said that they might show an interest.

"At the end of the conversation Arsenal said 'that's fine' and that they'll let us know.

"That is exactly what happened."