Door open for Liverpool

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has ruled out a move for Aston Villa's Gareth Barry to leave the door wide open for Liverpool.

Reports over the weekend suggested Wenger could hijack Liverpool's bid for Barry after the Gunners chief admitted he wanted to make one more quality signing in the summer transfer window.

It had been thought Barry was the target but the Frenchman has distanced himself from a move for the England international.

He said: "I don't know if Gareth Barry will leave Aston Villa or not, but I am not on his case

"I like Gareth Barry and I like two or three other players. It is better I don't speak about names, I said that yesterday. It is better I leave things to your imagination and creation."

Wenger's comments could now pave the way for a bid from Liverpool who have been chasing the midfielder all summer.

Villa boss Martin O'Neill has admitted the player could leave and Liverpool have until the transfer window closes to meet his valuation.