Villa discipline Barry over interview

Aston Villa announced Wednesday that want-away midfielder Gareth Barry would not be returning to pre-season training on Thursday and said the England international had been disciplined for an “unauthorised” newspaper interview.

Barry has made it clear he wants to leave Villa for their Premier League rivals Liverpool.

Last weekend he criticised Villa manager Martin O'Neill in an interview with the News of the World, saying the Birmingham side's boss was more interested in commentating on Euro 2008 for the BBC than retaining his club captain.

Villa's action came shortly after Liverpool denied Wednesday they'd made a “final” offer for Barry of 15 million pounds (30 million dollars) plus a further two million (four million dollars) depending on the Anfield club's league position next season.

O'Neill, who initially said he didn't want Barry to leave, said the 27-year-old “can have his transfer” if Liverpool pay Villa's asking price of 18 million pounds (36 million dollars).