Benitez to offer £15M for Barry

Rafa Benitez is preparing to offer a £15M package for Gareth Barry in an attempt to land the English midfielder. The Villans have already rejected a £10M package from the Reds.

Liverpool boss, Rafeal Benitez wants to sign Gareth Barry and is set to offer a £15M cash plus choice of player option for Aston Villa.

Aston Villa had rejected an initial player plus cash swap deal worth 10M from Liverpool. The new offer is a hugely improved bid and it might convince Villa boss Martin O'Neill to let Barry go.

Liverpool captain, Steven Gerrard, had recently stated that he would like to partner Barry in Liverpool midfield. With Xabi Alonso seemingly bounded for Juventus, Liverpool needs a replacement of top class.

Benitez had suggested that he would like to play with Mascherano and Barry as anchors which will allow Gerrard to go upfront. Gareth Barry had already said that he is "flattered" by to Liverpool's bid.