Rafael Benitez has made it clear that the England international is his number one target for the summer, and is being convinced from all quarters to make the switch. An old coach, England team-mate and Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard and even former team-mate Patrik Berger, who was dropped for the offence, have told him to make the move to Anfield.
From Villa Park, there have been streams of support for the versatile 27-year-old, with manager Martin O'Neill particularly keen to hold onto his side's key player as they continue to go from strength to strength.
However, having rejected a cash-plus-player deal last month thought to be worth around £10 million - and indeed heavily criticising the Reds' conduct for even making such an approach - O'Neill still has it all to do to keep hold of his man.
Barry has stated on more than one occasion that he longs to play Champions League football - something Villa may not achieve in the near future due to the monopoly on the Premier League's top four spots held by Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool.
The Daily Mail reports that Benitez has proposed a new deal worth around £15 million, but it again looks like involving a player or two, as opposed to being straight cash. Goalkeeper Scott Carson - who spent the season on loan at Villa from Liverpool - is thought to be part of the deal.
by Ray Winston, Goal.com
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