Gareth Barry has rejected talks with Aston Villa over a new contract.
The Daily Mail says Barry has rejected talks with Aston Villa over a new deal according to Sunday newspaper reports, which would seem to pave the way for a summer move to Liverpool.
The 28-year-old will only have a year left on his current contract at the end of the season, and his stalling over an extension could be good news for Rafa Benitez.
The Liverpool manager was keen to buy Barry last year, but after a saga that lasted months Anfield chief executive Rick Parry failed to complete the deal.
And with Benitez now in a stronger position than he has ever been in, having signed a new five year deal and Parry set to leave the club, Barry looks set to finally get his wish.
Villa have enjoyed a fine season under Martin O'Neill, and are still challenging to win a place in the Champions League, but Barry will still be tempted by the size of Liverpool, who are currently chasing both the league title and European Cup.
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