Aston Villa coach Martin O’Neill has confirmed that Liverpool have made an enquiry about signing Villa club captain Gareth Barry.
The 27-year-old England midfielder has played almost 400 matches for the club. He has also played 18 times for England.
O’Neill told the club’s Web site that Liverpool had made contact, but insisted he was determined to keep the player at Villa Park.
“We’re trying to build a side here and we’re not a feeder club,” said O’Neill. “Gareth Barry still has two years of his contract left to run and from my two years experience of working with him he’s not one who would be wanting to break contracts lightly.
“Liverpool haven’t made a straight cash offer. They’ve made an offer involving a mish-mash of nameless player exchanges.
“I’m particularly disappointed to hear that business is being conducted in public and I just want to be clear on this: We’re trying to build a side here and we’re not a feeder club.”
Liverpool were unavailable for comment.
