£18 million price tag on Barry

Aston Villa have slapped an £18 million asking price on Gareth Barry after Liverpool's continued interest in signing the England international midfielder has been shunned by Villa boss Martin O'Neill.

Gareth Barry's future still remains somewhat up in the air, but Rafa Benitez is believed to have told his club's directors that the Villain is his primary target this summer.

At £18 million though, Liverpool are unlikely to be willing to purchase Barry and discussions are likely to commence shortly.

Martin O'Neill hit out at Liverpool for their unsettling of Villa's captain after Liverpool bid £10 million for him.