Last Updated: Fri, 02 May 2008 15:15
Liverpool are reported to have contacted Aston Villa with a view to launching a £10million swoop for Gareth Barry.
Speculation has been hotting up for weeks that Liverpool and Chelsea want to sign the England international and now it seems as though the Reds have made the first move for his signature.
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez wants to link Barry up with Steven Gerrard in the Reds midfield and reports have now emerged suggesting contact was made with Villa on Thursday.
Villa boss Martin O'Neill has always maintained that Barry is not for sale as he wants to keep his star players at the club, but Barry has spoken of his desire to play Champions League football and could have his head turned by Liverpool's interest.
Whether or not Liverpool have made the first offer remains to be seen but Chelsea will no doubt join the race and could spark a bidding war for the player who has become a regular in the England set-up.