The words Liverpool and Gareth Barry have appeared together more often in newspaper columns this summer than most of us have had hot dinners. The midfielder has been apparently close to signing for the Anfield club on 1,478 occasions, only for [insert latest reason such as owners stalling over cash, Martin O’Neill demanding a tenner more, Alonso wanting to stay put] to occur. Will one of the Reds’ title rivals swoop in like a Magpie and claim the player for themselves.

Quite possibly, according to the Daily Telegraph, who claim that Arsenal are still in the hunt for an extra player or two to bolster their midfield. Arsene Wenger isn’t afraid to divulge an interest in the England midfielder, although there does appear to be a drawback.

“There is interest, as always,” the Arsenal manager admitted. “One more player is possible and Barry is one of the players we are following. I find him a good player, but the problem is with players who are 27, 28, you pay big money, but you get nothing back – there is no resale.

“We are not in a desperate situation. Alexandre Song has come back from China. Abou Diaby doesn’t look too far away. Hopefully we can get good news from Tomas Rosicky in the next two weeks.”

Ah, there’s the rub. Balancing the books is critical for Monsieur Wenger, something that Scolari and Ferguson wouldn’t know about if it slapped them across their ugly mugs. Will Arsene have to settle for a cheaper alternative or will he take the plunge on a player who will be a more-than-adequate replacement for Mathieu Flamini?