A stalemate has been reached between the clubs with Liverpool refusing to increase an offer of £14 million plus Steve Finnan for Villa’s want away midfielder.
Gareth Barry has returned to training with Aston Villa but the captain has made it clear he wants a move to Liverpool, and Benitez has already signalled his desire publicly to bring the player to Anfield.
Villa are facing an European Inter Toto game this weekend, but interestingly Villa will not be selecting Gareth Barry, their captain, to take part in the fixture.
{Article amended:} Barry will not be cup-tied if he plays for Villa in the Inter-Toto cup.