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The Rumour

Harry Redknapp wants to sign Gareth Barry this summer to give his Tottenham Hotspur team the experience and leadership he believes they have lacked this season. The interest in Barry is long-standing, as is the interest in Roque Santa Cruz and Glen Johnson, and Spurs hope that Liverpool’s uncertain finances mean that they will be able to tempt Barry away from Aston Villa where he has one year left on his contract.

At 28 years old, Barry does not fit the profile of the kind of player whom the Spurs chairman Daniel Levy usually signs – Levy normally prefers to buy younger, less-expensive players. However, Redknapp is convinced that the club needs older, more experienced players to set a more professional mood around the training ground and Barry fits the bill perfectly.

The Source: (The Independent)

The Analysis

Could this news negate the need for a summer long pursuit for Gareth Barry’s signature? Probably not, instead it is likely this summer that rather than just Liverpool making a big push for the Aston Villa man, many other sides will also do likewise.

Don’t get me wrong, i do rate the England man but i can’t help but feel that the clamour for his capture is a bit too much. Martin O’Neill has apparently sanctioned a contract offer for the 28 year old in the region of £75k a week but i think the midfielder is no longer looking for a big cash injection and is now understandably looking to further his playing career, to win trophies and to play in the Champions League and i am certain he will leave Villa Park in the summer after trying valiantly to take his midlands side into the top four failed.

Harry Redknapp apparently has a decent amount of cash to spend this summer and sees the one club man as one of his main targets. Rafa wanted Barry last summer of course but maybe the top notch season that Xabi has just had will persuade the Anfield supremo to steer clear?

The Likelihood

Barry to Liverpool or Spurs: He will leave Villa and i think Spurs may now be the more likely buyers.

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