Wed Jun 11 14:58:08 2008

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Barry hoping to make Anfield switch

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London, England (Sports Network) - Aston Villa have confirmed that England international midfielder Gareth Barry wants to move to Liverpool this summer.

Villa boss Martin O'Neill has already rejected an offer from the Reds in the region of $20 million for his club captain, but the 27-year-old now seems certain to be heading to Anfield before the start of the new season.

In a statement Villa said: "Gareth Barry has stated in discussions with our manager he would like to leave Aston Villa to join Liverpool.

"But Liverpool's bid for the player has been rejected and they have been informed of Villa's continued position in this matter."

Barry's agent, Alex Black, told The Sun earlier this week: "Gareth has spoken to Martin since he returned from England's game in Trinidad and told him how he feels.

"At this stage of his career, Gareth wants to be playing Champions League football and believes this is his chance to do it."

Barry's England teammate and Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard has already urged the versatile midfielder to join the Merseyside club.

Barry has made over 325 appearances for Villa during a decade on the first- team scene.

(Courtesy of sportbox.tv)