It’s possibly a good thing that Xabi Alonso seems in a determined mood to stick around at Anfield. After all, it appears that we might be waiting until June 2009 for Liverpool and Aston Villa to finally agree a suitable price for Gareth Barry.

The Daily Mirror reports that the Spaniard is expecting to be at Anfield, thus pouring hot water on the speculation linking him with a move to Juventus. It’s clear that the Italian club are interested in adding the midfielder to their ranks, although Alonso has never given any indication that he wants to leave Anfield, despite it being clear that the acquisition of Barry would make it doubly difficult for him to play regularly for the Reds.

“My plans are to start next season with Liverpool.

“I signed a contract last summer and I have four more years to go, unless there is a change. We’ll see what happens.”

Sadly for Alonso, manager Rafael Benitez might need to balance the books if Barry does arrive, especially as it’s going to cost nearly £20 million for the Villa captain. Liverpool haven’t got an abundance of cash and, if they are to strengthen in other departments, their manager will have to make some difficult decisions with regard to who he lets go.