Aston Villa prepare for Barry loss

Gareth Barry’s move to Liverpool has not be concluded yet. However many of us know that it cannot be long before it is finalised. Despite O’Neill’s standpoint – that Barry will not go unless the £18 million price tag is matched – Liverpool must know that a deal is nor far off.

In fact, according to The Times, O’Neill is ready to accept Liverpool’s latest offer which includes £15 million and Steve Finnan. Aston Villa have lost the services of defender Olof Melberg and will look to improve in that position. The inclusion of Steve Finnan would make Liverpool’s offer look acceptable.

Martin O’Neill has also lined up a replacement for Barry in Steve Sidwell. The Chelsea midfielder is thought to have no real future at Stamford Bridge as the London outfit have a multitude of options for the central midfield position and he will look to move on.

According to ITV Football, Aston Villa will move for Sidwell as soon as the player is aware of his position at Chelsea. According to the same report, he would cost Aston Villa about £5 million.

[Source: ITV Football]