Rafa Benitez is prepared to trade in Xabi Alonso for Gareth Barry in a repeat of last season's long-running transfer saga at Liverpool, but will be beaten by Tottenham in the chase for £10 million England defender Glen Johnson.
With Aston Villa's hopes of playing in the Champions League next season virtually over, Barry is determined to get his dream move to Anfield this summer.
To help finance the deal, Benitez has done little to dissuade Italian giants Juventus from pursuing their interest in Alonso. Alonso has been in outstanding form this season but his personal relationship with Benitez remains strained.
'Alonso was not on the market last summer but Juventus came to us, so we had to talk,' said Benitez.
'I think it will be the same situation this year. I don't want to sell him but when there is a window you have to talk to see what price is being considered.'
Barry is adamant he wants to play Champions League football next season as he tries to nail down a place in Fabio Capello's World Cup side and Villa manager Martin O'Neill has accepted his captain will leave unless Villa can pip Arsenal to fourth spot.
The arrival of Barry will soften the blow of losing out on Portsmouth defender Johnson. Benitez would like the full back at Anfield but the London-born player is keen to move back to the capital and link up again with his first manager, Harry Redknapp at Spurs.
Portsmouth will be forced to cash in at the end of the season to ease their financial troubles.
With Aston Villa's hopes of playing in the Champions League next season virtually over, Barry is determined to get his dream move to Anfield this summer.
To help finance the deal, Benitez has done little to dissuade Italian giants Juventus from pursuing their interest in Alonso. Alonso has been in outstanding form this season but his personal relationship with Benitez remains strained.
'Alonso was not on the market last summer but Juventus came to us, so we had to talk,' said Benitez.
'I think it will be the same situation this year. I don't want to sell him but when there is a window you have to talk to see what price is being considered.'
Barry is adamant he wants to play Champions League football next season as he tries to nail down a place in Fabio Capello's World Cup side and Villa manager Martin O'Neill has accepted his captain will leave unless Villa can pip Arsenal to fourth spot.
The arrival of Barry will soften the blow of losing out on Portsmouth defender Johnson. Benitez would like the full back at Anfield but the London-born player is keen to move back to the capital and link up again with his first manager, Harry Redknapp at Spurs.
Portsmouth will be forced to cash in at the end of the season to ease their financial troubles.
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