Reina's Father Predicts More From Pepe

The father of Liverpool goalie José Reina says he's proud of his son's role as a Spanish back-up and insists the highly-rated shot-stopper is yet to peak.

Minguel Reina is, of course, following his son Pepe's goalkeeping career avidly, and thinks the much-admired 'keeper can do better yet.

The 25-year-old Anfield man picked up his third Premier League Golden Glove in succession last term and is currently with the hotly-tipped Spanish side as they gun for Euro 2008 glory.

The proud Spaniard and father is so excited about his country's strong start at the Austria and Switzerland showpiece that he isn't even sore about his son languishing on the bench behind first-choice Iker Casillas.

"Pepe is growing as a man and as a footballer before my very eyes," said Reina Sr. "But no way is he near his peak yet. There is so much more to come before he's either the finished product or as good as he can be.

"Watching my son train so hard for his country and playing with his little daughter at a time when Spain have just put in a tremendous performance to open the tournament is just great.

"Right now his role is fundamental. The substitutes have to train hard but also give total support to those who start. With affection, support and friendship coming towards the key players, Spain will see the benefit on the pitch. That's sure.

"This year I think we are at least going to the final and if we win so much the better."

Redknapp Still Wants Crouch At Pompey

If the price is right, says Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp, he still wants to bring Peter Crouch back to Fratton Park.

Liverpool have pinned a £15 million price tag on England striker Peter Crouch - and although Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp would like the player, that valuation is considerrably higher than the South Coast club are prepared to pay.

Redknapp told The News: “We are looking, but it is not always easy to get in the people we are looking for.

“But we are moving along and something could happen soon. Crouchy is a brilliant lad and I do like him a great deal. I suppose if Peter Storrie was negotiating with Liverpool though, he wouldn't want me throwing figures around.

“We might feel Liverpool want a little too much for him even at £10million. We might want to pay a bit less, so it wouldn't be right for me to say a price.

“At the end of the day he still belongs to Liverpool.

“I doubt if they would want me talking about their players really. I've always said I like Peter, though.

“There might be a deal there. If there's not then we will move on.”

Redknapp also confirmed to the local paper that he will definitely not be pursuing an interest in Marseille's former Liverpool striker, Djibril Cisse.

Cisse's agent climed earlier this week that the player was keen on a move to Pompey, describing them as a club who matched his ambition.

But Redknapp has ended all speculation by declaring: “He is a good player and we have looked at him before. But he's not one that I'm concentrating on at the moment.”

Torres Denies Showing Any Disrespect To Aragones

Spain striker Fernando Torres has denied that he was angry with coach Luis Aragones for taking him off in the team's 4-1 win against Russia in their opening game at Euro 2008.

Torres walked past Aragones when he was replaced by Cesc Fabregas early in the second half of Tuesday's match and did not acknowledge the coach's outstretched hand.

"I was angry with myself and it isn't true that I refused to shake the coach's hand," Torres told Spanish radio station Cadena Ser on Friday.

"Luis was six metres away from me, we weren't that close and I would never show any disrespect to a coach.

"I know that I can't get angry for more than 30 seconds when I've got team mates next to me who didn't play (in the game) at all."

Aragones, who coached Torres when he was at Atletico Madrid, said earlier this week that he understood the striker's anger at being taken off but that he would not let the incident pass.

"The big advantage of having an ex-player as the coach is that he has experienced these things hundreds to times," said Torres.

"Luis showed me the rules of dressing room when I was 16 years old and the important thing is that what happens is left on the pitch."

Torres is almost certain to be in the starting line-up when Spain play Sweden in their second match in Group D on Saturday.

O'Neill Tells Liverpool To Increase Barry Offer

Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill is determined to get the right price for captain Gareth Barry after dismissing Liverpool's third bid for the England midfielder as 'just not acceptable'.

Villa yesterday rejected a revised offer for Barry from the Reds believed to be around the £15million mark.

Barry has told O'Neill he wants to join Liverpool in order to play Champions League football and boost his England prospects but the Villa boss insists his club will not be bullied into selling.

He said: 'Gareth and I had a little chat when he got back from holiday and he has said he fancies going to Liverpool.

'That's obviously a big setback to us, but the offer from Liverpool is just not acceptable.

'It's very frustrating. We finished sixth last year, he was a major part of that and he has been a splendid player for us for some considerable time.'

O'Neill accepts it is a fact of life star players will be targeted by big clubs and has vowed the club will continue their bid to break the stranglehold of the big four in next season's Premier League.

'If Man United are having a struggle keeping hold of Cristiano Ronaldo, I guess the rest of us have a bit of trouble,' he added. 'It's difficult [to break into the top four] but that's what you're in the game for. If it's without Gareth Barry, we'll still have a go.'

Barry must now wait to see if Liverpool return with yet another bid or whether Rafael Benitez opts to look elsewhere.

It is believed previous offers for the midfielder included a cash-plus-player deal and this could still be the key to landing Barry.

Liverpool keeper Scott Carson spent last season on loan at Villa and O'Neill is keen to make the move permanent. But while Benitez is willing to sell, the two again disagree over Carson's valuation.

Liverpool Target Aistair Mackintosh Leaves Eastlands

Manchester City last night confirmed the departure of highly-rated chief executive Alistair Mackintosh – who Tom Hicks has reportedly earmarked to replace Rick Parry at Liverpool.

The Liverpool co-owner has made no secret of his desire to fire Parry as chief executive, branding his reign a “disaster” in an explosive interview two months ago.

The Texan is in no position to wield such power at Anfield yet, however, due to the deadlock in his fight for power with fellow owner George Gillett.

However, Hicks is thought to have been impressed by Mackintosh’s role in City’s move from Maine Road to Eastlands – while being critical of Liverpool’s stalling plans to move to a new home in Stanley Park – and will be intrigued by yesterday’s developments.

The future of Mackintosh had been the subject of intense debate following the arrival of Garry Cook as new executive chairman.

It had been thought Mackintosh may stay on at Eastlands for a little while but having been left out of the negotiations which saw Mark Hughes installed as manager last week, it became clear he had no long-term future.

Mackintosh has been seen as a pragmatic chief executive, who helped stabilise City’s financial position, then helped bring former Thailand Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to the club.

“I would like to thank Alistair for his decade of service,” Cook said.

“He took us through a period of great change, particularly the move from Maine Road to our home here at the City of Manchester Stadium and goes with our best wishes for the future.”

However, the move is seen as an effective completion of his takeover by Thaksin, breaking the major management link from before his arrival 12 months ago.

Cook was a noticeable presence at Hughes’s unveiling last week, where he outlined his vision for City under Thaksin’s guidance.

As a former senior executive at Nike, Cook has well-placed contacts within the football industry which could yet bring Ronaldinho to Eastlands.

Meanwhile, the home tie of City’s UEFA Cup first qualifying round tie in July seems certain to be held at Barnsley’s Oakwell Stadium as Eastlands is unavailable.

Hughes will learn City’s opponents on June 27.

Martin O'Neil Refuses To Talk To Rafael Benitez Over Barry Row

Martin O'Neill has angrily broken off all contact with Liverpool after becoming infuriated by their dogged pursuit of Aston Villa skipper Gareth Barry.

The Villa boss is refusing to acknowledge attempts by Reds manager Rafa Benitez and chief executive Rick Parry to enter into any dialogue over Barry.

Liverpool only learned their third bid of £13m for the midfielder had been rejected yesterday through a curt fax.

O'Neill, usually so hands-on, has instructed Villa owner Randy Lerner's PA Paul Faulkner to field all communications from Anfield.

His stubborn tactics have left Liverpool officials exasperated as they hoped to finally buy Barry, 27, this week. And the star himself is getting increasingly despondent at the failure of the two clubs to resolve his future after he made it clear to O'Neill he wanted to go.

Liverpool are now reluctant to table a new bid for Barry while they have no insight into what O'Neill will accept for the versatile left-sided player.

And the ill-feeling at Villa - sparked by Benitez making public Liverpool's initial £10m offer for Barry on the eve of the penultimate game of the season - has only increased.

O'Neill has since slammed the Reds' Spanish manager in a tirade and even dropped Villa's former Liverpool midfielder Patrik Berger for recommending that Barry moves to his old club.

O'Neill is now trying to concentrate his energies on strengthening his squad as they kick-off their InterToto Cup campaign in five weeks.

Brazilian midfielder Paulo Assuncao, 28, who has bought out the final year of his contract at Porto, is a target.

Degen's Switzerland Out Of Euro 2008

Philipp Degen was an unused substitute as host nation Switzerland crashed out of Euro 2008 after an injury time goal gave Turkey a 2-1 victory.

Degen - who will sign for Liverpool on July 1 - was on the bench for the second game running as Turkey came from a goal down to win.

The result means Switzerland cannot now qualify for the knock-out phase.

A heavy downpour in the first half contributed to Switzerland's opening goal which was scored by Hakan Yakin.

However, Turkey equalised in the second half when substitute Semih Senturk headed home.

The Swiss came close to winning the game near the end but Turkey keeper Volkan Demirel made a fantastic double save.

Then deep into stoppage time Arda Turan won it for Fatih Terim's side after a swift counter attack.

Degen will be hoping to make his tournament debut on Sunday night when the Swiss face Portugal in their final group game at 7.45pm GMT.

Rafa Wants Spanish Villa With Pool

Rafael Benitez reportedly wants to pair David Villa with Fernando Torres in Liverpool's attack - but has been warned he won't come cheap.

Villa combined with Torres to devastating effect with a hat-trick in Spain's 4-1 demolition of Russia in their opening Euro 2008 fixture on Tuesday.

And Reds boss Benitez is keen to see the pair wreak similar havoc on Premier League defences next season.

Torres took to England's top flight like a fish to water after moving from Atletico Madrid for £27million last summer - and Valencia director Juan Sanchez admits Villa's price tag will rise with every goal he scores at Euro 2008.

Villa looks destined to leave Los Che this summer, as the Primera Liga side's financial worries dictate that they will be required to reluctantly part with their biggest assets.

Villa certainly tops the list in the Mestalla sale and new Valencia boss Unai Emery can expect a busy close season as he sets about reshuffling his pack.

His star striker is valued in the region of around £17million, but that figure could rocket if he continues his electric form in Austria and Switzerland.

Villa's current employers are prepared to sit out a bidding war, with Sanchez revealing that the club will bide their time before deciding on the player's worth.

"He has a contract and is having a great Euro," the Spanish director said in The Sun. "We are calm and we hope he will continue to score many goals. You never know what will happen if we get offers.

"It's not a question of putting a price on him.

"What will come in the future will be assessed then."

Chelsea and Barcelona have also been linked with Villa, but it remains to be seen whether the Blues' interest will continue following the announcement that Luiz Felipe Scolari is set to become their new boss.

However, despite the growing speculation surrounding his future, the talented forward is refusing to be drawn on the issue until after Euro 2008.

"I'm not going to speak about my future until after the Championships," he insisted.

Roma Ready To Bid £3m For Liverpool's John Arne Riise

Roma coach Luciano Spalletti admitted last night he wants to take Liverpool misfit John Arne Riise, 27, to Serie A.

Norwegian left-back Riise's Anfield career is over after his catastrophic Champions League semifinal blunder against Chelsea and the arrival of Udinese's Andrea Dossena.

And Spalletti is ready to table a £3million bid for the 27-year-old.

Spalletti said: "A player like Riise can give a different kind of dimension. Considering the challenges that await us next season, he has the qualities that we are looking for."

Juventus Enhance Alonso Offer

Juventus have increased their bid for Liverpool’s Xabi Alonso as they attempt to lure the midfielder to Turin.

The Bianconeri are keen on the Spanish international and recently Giovanni Cobolli Gigli confirmed the club are in on-going talks with the Reds for the midfielder.

However, so far talks have hit a brick wall as Liverpool are not willing to budge on the £15m price tag.

According to reports in Italy, Juve only wanted to offer half of what Liverpool were asking for but now it seems as if the Old Lady has upped the ante as she attempts to prize Alonso away from Anfield.

Stadio News 24 claims the Old Lady has offered Liverpool €18m (£14.2m) which is still slightly off the £15m that the Reds are asking for.

However, it is likely that the Merseysiders will accept this latest offer as the Bianconeri are not looking to move any further up on their latest bid.

Claudio Ranieri is a big admirer of the Spanish player and he will be hoping to add him to his midfield department to partner Momo Sissoko.

Juve have returned to the Champions League and they are currently building a side for the future capable of challenging for major honours.

The Old Lady believes it would be a shame if Juve lose out on Alonso having come so close this time and she is trying her best to capture the player before other clubs beging swooping.

Liverpool Prepare £15m Barry Offer

Liverpool are putting together a £15 million cash bid for Gareth Barry in the hopes of finalising the deal for the Aston Villa captain by the end of the work week.

Villa have reportedly already rebuffed a number of of bids over the past days, including a ₤12million bid and a host of offers involving part player-swaps. This despite the it being clear that Barry, 27, is itntent on moving to Liverpool for Champions League football after 10 years at Villa Park.

The latest official statement from the Claret-and-Blues on the matter read as follow:

"Gareth Barry has stated in discussions with our manager he would like to leave Aston Villa to join Liverpool.

"But Liverpool's bid for the player has been rejected and they have been informed of Villa's continued position in this matter."

It will be interesting to see whether £15m will do the trick this time, as Villa boss Martin O'Neill has always maintained that Barry is worth at least as much as Argentine midfielderl Javier Mascherano who officially made the Liverpool switch in January for £18m.

Milner-Pennant Swap In The Works?

According to the latest reports emanating out of England, Newcastle are strongly considering accepting a swap deal put forward by Liverpool that would see James Milner leave St. James' Park in exchange for Jermaine Pennant.

British daily The Mirror alleges that Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has made a significant breakthrough in his quest to lure Milner, 27, to Anfield, and now all that stands between the completion of the deal is to wrangle over how much cash will be included along with Pennant.

Should the reports be validated, it would represent a dramatic improvement on the Reds' opening offer as Newcastle were said to be downright insulted by Liverpool's proposal of switching Argentine full-back Emiliano Insua, central defender Jack Hobbs and one other youth prospect in exchange for Milner.

Aston Villa boss Martin O’Neill was livid when Benitez attempted to capture Gareth Barry with a similar deal, though he won't be best pleased to learn of this news either as Villa were reportedly keen on £7million-rated Milner as well.

Spain Coach Luis Aragones Denies Euro 2008 Rift With Bemused Fernando Torres

SPAIN coach Luis Aragones has dismissed speculation his decision to substitute Fernando Torres during the 4-1 Euro 2008 victory against Russia has caused a rift with his star striker.

Aragones chose to withdraw the Liverpool frontman after just 54 minutes on Tuesday, replacing him with midfielder Cesc Fabregas, with his team already holding a 2-0 advantage.

The 69-year-old coach later explained his reason for substituting Torres was a tactical one as he sought to add "one more player in the midfield to try to keep a clean sheet."

Torres, however, was clearly bemused by the decision as he left the pitch, opting not to acknowledge Aragones’s outstretched arm as he passed the coach.

Despite that show of petulance, Aragones said there was no ill-felling between himself and the player with the pair resolving the matter in the dressing-room after the game.

"I understand why the player is angry and I am behind him, but it is important to correct these things afterwards," Aragones said.

"They are things which stay in the dressing-room...(but) things won’t stay like that, we won’t let things like that fester."

Torres was instrumental in Spain’s opening goal of the night when he unselfishly laid off a pass to strike partner David Villa to tap home into an unguarded net.

That would be the first goal of a hat-trick for Villa whose impressive display stole the limelight from Torres, who was expected to spearhead the Spanish attack.

After scoring his third goal of the night, Villa raced to the bench where he embraced the already- substituted Torres and Aragones said that gesture was reflective of the "cohesion" in the team.

"I understand that a player gets angry when he is substituted, it has happened to me, but the atmosphere in the team is extraordinary," Aragones said.

Aragones also took time to praise Torres for his contribution while he was on the pitch, highlighting his defensive work to limit the contribution of Russia’s attack- minded full-back Roman Shirokov.

"Torres also contributed and worked up front to block Shirokov and he did it perfectly," Aragones said.

"The goals are a product of Villa, but the first (goal) was given to him by Torres."

Former Spain coach Jose Antonio Camacho was also glowing in his praise for Torres, pointing the striker’s assist for the first goal as evidence of his importance to the team.

"Torres’s generosity in the first goal was admirable," he said.

"When you are a striker, it’s not easy to see a team-mate when you are bearing down on the goalkeeper, but he had the presence of mind to give the ball to Villa. That was a great gesture."

Camacho, who led Spain to the quarter-finals of Euro 2000, was delighted with the performance of Aragones’ side.

"It was a great start," he said. "They have demonstrated that they are here at the European Championship with an attacking football, with a passing game and creating plenty of chances.

"(Carles) Puyol, (Marcos) Senna and Villa stood out in a team at a very high level," he added.

Camacho also praised Barcelona’s Andres Iniesta.

"Iniesta can do everything with the ball at his feet," he said.

"Only players with something different in their head and in their feet are capable of passes like the one for the second goal."

However, Torres admitted: "At the time I wasn’t happy but the disappointment soon went. The team is the important thing."

Meanwhile, hat-trick hero David Villa paid tribute to strike partner Torres.

Immediately after slotting the ball past Russia goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev to complete his treble 15 minutes from time, Villa raced to the Spain bench to embrace Torres, who had been substituted in the 54th minute and replaced by Cesc Fabregas.

That was the third Spain match in just over a week where Torres has been taken off early, with coach Luis Aragones substituting the Liverpool striker at half-time in both friendly matches against the United States and Peru.

Torres has now failed to score in each of those three matches – albeit whilst not always at peak fitness – and although he has been prolific during his first season at Liverpool, he has notched just once for his country since 2006.

All that has led to speculation about the striker’s ability to perform for Spain the way he does for Liverpool, but Villa was keen to show Torres he is fully behind the former Atletico Madrid man.

"The first two goals were with the help of Torres," said Villa.

"You saw what happened with the first one and with the second he opened the space so (Andres) Iniesta could make the pass to me," Villa added.

"I think he had a very important game, he’s a key player to us and I wanted to dedicate that third goal to make him happy."

Villa’s treble, with the goals coming in the 20th, 45th and 75th minutes, ensured Spain got off to a flying start in their bid to win their first European Championships since 1964.

The performance earned Villa the man-of-the-match award, but the Valencia man was more pleased with the fact that it took Spain a step closer to the quarter-finals.

"More than anything I am happy with the three points that give us a lot of options to continue to the next phase, and of course I am very happy to have scored the goals as well," said Villa, whose role in the Spain side and compatibility with Torres was an area of debate heading into the tournament.

"My aim is continue helping the national team, to work hard to try and score more goals.

"I want to play as much as possible."

Spain coach Aragones spoke glowingly about both his strikers, saying: "Villa has played very well, he scored three goals and could have scored more.

"Torres also did a good job, especially in the first two goals. I am happy with the team."

Russia coach Guus Hiddink famously got one over on the Spanish in the 2002 World Cup when his South Korea side won a quarter-final showdown on penalties.

There was little chance of Hiddink’s latest side achieving a similar scalp once Villa had taken the game by the scruff of the neck, but the Dutchman believes his inexperienced team could take a lot of out of the game.

"We had our chances, but we were too naive and ended up being punished because Spain have players who can to that," Hiddink said.

"In any case, I think that we can learn from this lesson. There are two games remaining and I have told my players that although it has been a heavy result, we can still bounce back if we learn from the match.

Liverpool Coach Benitez Says Club Can Cope Without Expensive Signings

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez expects less spending power in the transfer market, despite a plea by star striker Fernando Torres to sign more big-money players.

Benitez doubts getting much cash to bolster his squad to mount a Premier League title challenge against the backdrop of an unremitting feud between American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett Jr.

Newly released accounts show that the Americans, who gained control in March 2007, had net losses of 33 million pounds (then US$67 million) by July 31, 2007.

Hicks has prioritized raising equity to buy out his estranged partner's 50 percent-stake and fund a new stadium.

Torres said last week that Liverpool needs "a lot of 20 or 25 million pound (US$39 or 49 million) players'' like Manchester United and Chelsea to bring the league title back to Anfield for the first time since 1990.

"Some teams around us are spending 20 million pounds and 30 million pounds (US$59) on one or two players,'' Benitez responded.”But the important thing is to get the right players and my staff are working hard to do that.''

Benitez said fellow Spaniard Torres was one of the key inspirations for keeping him at Liverpool, which finished fourth last season in the league and was ousted in the Champions League semifinals by Chelsea.

Benitez 100% Committed To Liverpool

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has moved to alleviate concerns that he may still be unsettled at Anfield.

The Spanish tactician endured an incredibly tough season both on and off the pitch. The Reds ended trophyless again, but far more pertinent in respect to Rafa's job was the drama off the pitch with co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett.

Disputes began to lessen and the situation seemed placated towards the end of the season, but as the transfer window re-opens and the finances of the club once again come under scrutiny, many feel the former Valencia coach may leave if he does not get the backing he feels he deserves.

However, he told the Liverpool Echo he is fully focussed on the job at hand and nothing more: "I said at the end of the season I was very happy here and I will say it again.

"The supporters have been absolutely magnificent with me and the staff are working very hard.

"I would not have brought players like Fernando Torres and the young players we have here if I did not have a long term vision for the club. Now is not the time to be saying goodbye.

"Fernando's agent has asked about my Liverpool future and my answer is that I am 100% committed.

"If we had a lot of money to spend it would obviously be better," he said.

"But if we don't it doesn't matter.

"It is not about buying the most expensive players, it is about buying the right ones.

"We have the spine of the team and we can sell some players to get the others we need."

Anderson Set To Discover Liverpool Intentions

Liverpool FC youngster Paul Anderson is set to discover his part in the Reds' future when he meets with chief executive Rick Parry tomorrow.

Several Championship clubs are intent on capturing the 19-year-old winger's signature for a loan deal, while Premiership clubs have expressed an interest in a permanent deal.

The moves have come after Anderson completed a successful loan spell with League One champions Swansea City, who are also among the chasing pack.

Reports at the end of last week suggested Nottingham Forest were favourites to land Anderson, from John O'Gaunt, on a season-long loan, but he is still unsure as to exactly what the Anfield club has in store for him.

Forest's rivals Derby County have also staked a claim, as have Watford, Burnley, Ipswich Town, Doncaster Rovers and Leeds United among others.

Dad Phil Anderson said: "At this stage there is no story until an agreement is reached with Liverpool and until they know what they want to do with him.

"It hasn't been discussed with Paul yet, but I think it should be a lot clearer by Friday.

"Forest have expressed an interest and made an official approach, but no agreement has been made.We were hoping to have all this sorted out prior to going away on holiday, but the wait has happened for all the right reasons."

While Liverpool's intentions should be known by the weekend, a deal with another club is not expected to be finalised until the middle of next week.

Villa Full Of Praise For Unselfish Torres

David Villa strengthened his reputation as one of Europe's most lethal finishers with his hat-trick in Spain's 4-1 drubbing of Russia.

The 26-year-old took his international tally to 17 goals in 32 games with his Euro 2008 Group D treble at the Tivoli Neu stadium in Innsbruck on Tuesday.

Villa has a significantly better strike rate than attacking partner Fernando Torres, who has scored 15 goals in 50 games for his country and has only found the net twice for Spain since the last World Cup.

But Villa, who notched 18 league goals last season despite a difficult campaign at troubled Valencia, praised Torres for his unselfish work and explained why he had gone over to the bench to celebrate his hat-trick with his substituted team mate.

"I scored two goals benefiting from his work," Villa told a news conference on Wednesday. "He did the unseen work and I got the credit and that's why I celebrated with him."

Villa said he hurt his finger when he got it tangled in Torres's shirt as the two celebrated the first goal but described the injury as nothing important.

When Luis Aragones named his squad for Euro 2008 the main talking point in the Spanish media was the absence of former captain Raul but Villa's neatly-taken treble has helped lay that debate to rest.

Although Villa, who wears the number seven shirt once favoured by Raul, said Tuesday's performance may not have been his most complete, he called it his most memorable.

"It was my best game because of the circumstances. It was our opening game in Euro 2008, we won and I got three goals," said the striker.

Villa said he had English-speaking team mates Pepe Reina and Xabi Alonso to thank for getting Austrian referee Konrad Plautz to agree to give him the match ball as a souvenir of his hat-trick.

"The referee said he couldn't give it to me because of a UEFA rule but Pepe and Xabi Alonso talked to him in English and managed to get the ball for me."

Liverpool To Make Fresh Gareth Barry Bid

Liverpool are to test Aston Villa's resolve by launching a £15 million cash-only bid for Gareth Barry.

Villa have already turned down two offers from Liverpool for Barry, with the midlands club reportedly valuing the England international at £20m.

Earlier this week, Barry told manager Martin O'Neill that he is keen on a move to Anfield, but last night Villa issued a statement saying: "Gareth Barry has stated in discussion with our manager that he would like to leave Aston Villa to join Liverpool. But Liverpool's bid for the player has been rejected and Liverpool have been informed of Villa's decision on this matter."

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez originally tabled a £10m offer for the midfielder which was rejected out of hand. A £12m bid ensued, which was also met with a flat no.

Benitez, however, is known to be a big fan of Barry, who has shone for England on the international stage as a holding midfielder, and will come back with a new £15m offer that Villa may find hard to turn down.

Benitez is also reportedly willing to do a player-plus-cash deal that O'Neill would be swayed by if it involved Peter Crouch or Yossi Benayoun.

Benitez`s Modest Budget Won't Be Cut

Rafa Benitez has reportedly been assured that his transfer budget will not be affected by the losses suffered by Tom Hicks and George Gillett since their takeover of Liverpool - but any euphoria at the news will be quelled by suggestions that the Spaniard has relatively little money to spend this summer.

The first set of accounts published since the Americans arrived last year reported a loss of £33million in the year ending July 2007.

However, according to The Guardian, 'Despite these ominous figures, has been assured his transfer budget will not be reduced'. But the sting in the tale is that 'Spaniard's spending rests heavily on the amount raised through player sales this summer and the budget 'is understood to be far from what the manager would like'.

This suspicion is borne out by fresh reports linking Pool with Middlesbrough's Stewart Downing - hardly the type of high-calibre player the club require to produce their long-anticipated title bid.

According to the Daily Mirror, 'Benitez has been a longtime admirer of Downing and considers that he can play not just in the wide left role, but also in a more central position.

'He is prepared to bid around £12m for the England international.'

Xabi Delays Juve Decision

Liverpool star Xabi Alonso is delaying any decision over a move to Juventus until he has completed his Euro 2008 mission with Spain.

The Basque playmaker has hinted that he wants to quit Anfield for Turin and there have been reports that Juve and Liverpool have agreed a fee of just over £10m.

But the 26-year-old has put the brakes on somewhat by insisting that he won’t be making any decision before this summer’s events in Austria and Switzerland are complete.

“I know that Juventus are interested,” Alonso told El Mundo Deportivo.

“But right now I won’t talk about that because I have enough to think about here with the national team.”

Meanwhile, Juve could make space for Alonso by selling unsettled forward Raffaele Palladino.

The former Azzurrini star has been frustrated at a lack of first-team football in Turin and is reportedly close to agreeing a deal with hometown team Napoli.

The Old Lady may insist upon a co-ownership agreement rather than an outright sale and are expected to ask for around £6m for 50 per cent of his rights.