On-off deal could be done this weekend

Gareth Barry has reiterated his desire to leave Aston Villa and its thought his protracted move to Liverpool could be sealed soon.

The 27-year-old has been at the centre of furious speculation throughout the summer and seemed destined to make the switch to Anfield before the close of the transfer window in August.

But Villa announced this week that a deadline for the deal, agreed they claimed with Liverpool, had passed and that the England midfielder would not now be leaving the club before the start of the season.

Despite the two clubs yet to agree a fee and Villa being poised to offer Barry a new deal, the player has told Martin O'Neill that his heart remains on a move to Liverpool and he will not sign a new contract.

It's understood that Liverpool are not in a position to pay the £18million asking price up front, so a staggered payment over two years may have to be the compromise to any transfer.