Villa reject second bid for Barry

Aston Villa have rejected an improved offer from Liverpool for midfielder Gareth Barry.

The Villa captain has made clear to manager Martin O'Neill that he wishes to join the Anfield club but the Irishman is intent on getting the most he can for the England international.

A statement on Villa's website revealed the latest offer was better than Liverpool's first, believed to be €12.6 million, but not good enough to convince them to part with the player.

"The offer was a slight improvement on a previous bid but our position on the issue remains unchanged and Liverpool have been informed," the statement read.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is as determined as O'Neill, however, and will not give up on the left-sided midfielder, who is his prime target as he tries to assemble a squad capable of challenging for the title.