The Villains recently rejected a £15million bid from their Barclays Premier League rivals and are thought to be holding out for around £18million.

Barry on Sunday blasted his Villa Park boss for failing to attempt to change his mind over a move to Anfield, but O'Neill has vehemently denied that claim telling the Sun: "The chairman and I were surprised at Gareth's comments. Contrary to what he said, we desperately wanted to keep him -- and he knows that."

He added: "But if Liverpool meet our valuation, Gareth will get his expressed wish to leave. Until then, he remains an Aston Villa player."