Rafa’s race for a midfielder just got a lot more interesting!
The protracted sale of Aston Villa captain Gareth Barry to Liverpool took another twist last night as the Midlanders insisted their rivals withdraw from the race to sign David Bentley.
Villa have earmarked the Blackburn midfielder as a replacement for the Anfield-bound Barry. And they want a clear run at securing Bentley’s signature without Liverpool’s interest inflating the transfer fee.
Liverpool have had two bids for Barry rejected but a deal reported to be in the region of £15million could eventually be brokered if the club make an undertaking not to pursue Bentley, who has made it clear to Rovers that he wants to move on.
Although Villa are resigned to losing Barry they will not agree a deal with Liverpool until they have lined up his replacement. (Sunday Mirror)
Seems like an odd undertaking for Benitez to have to consider, but either way if the best way to get Gareth Barry is to quit trying to sign David Bentley then it doesn’t seem to hard a deal to make. Of the two the Aston Villa man is far more important to Liverpool. However will the Blackburn man be interested in a move to the midlands? He has been quoted as saying that he wants to move to London so not sure where that leaves that whole deal, either way it does seem that Barry is edging ever nearer to a move away from Villa Park but I guess a deal will need to be done soon so as not to compromise pre-season plans. Do Reds fans think that this ultimatum is worth agreeing to in order to get their man?