New developments in this transfer saga, according to The Times, indicate that the Anfield club are ready to depart with £15million plus a player, rumoured to be Steve Finnan, in exchange to the rejuvenated international, Barry.
Martin O Neill may be keen to cash in on this offer considering that his defence has been weakened this summer with the exodus of Olof Mellberg. The Northern Irish coach, nicknamed ?Martin the magnificent? during his spell at Celtic, could then use a third of this fee to prise a near enough direct replacement, Steve Sidwell, from Chelsea.
Sidwell is a bit-part man at the Bridge, less likely to grace the grass at Stamford Bridge next season than stars such as Essien, Ballack, Deco, and even Claude Makelele. Thus he may be keen to move in order to ensure first-team football, but he would may need to accept a reduction in his wage package.
In the event of Barry?s departure, leader Martin Laursen, and Nigel Reo-Coker who acted as captain in Barry?s absence would be favourites to take the armband.
Referring to Barry?s pending transfer, The Times quote Laursen as saying: ?We?re talking about someone who has been at the club for ten years and has done many things for the club. I?m sad that the fans are angry.?
Aston Villa are about to embark on a pre-season tour of Switzerland.
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