Barry just too expensive for Liverpool

Gareth Barry's proposed move to Liverpool has been thrown into further doubt after the chief executive Rick Parry admitted: "The price quoted is too high."

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LIVERPOOL // Gareth Barry's proposed move to Liverpool has been thrown into further doubt after the chief executive Rick Parry admitted: "The price quoted is too high." The Aston Villa midfielder has been poised for a switch to Anfield all summer, but the Reds have been unwilling to match the asking price of £18million (Dh126.9m). Last month Villa set Liverpool a deadline to submit an acceptable offer but none was forthcoming and the Midlanders then announced the deal was off.

But a few days later manager Martin O'Neill conceded Barry's heart was still set on the move. However, the transfer has still not happened amid speculation Liverpool's American owners are not willing to pay out following Robbie Keane's £20.3m move from Tottenham. Long-term suitors Dubai International Capital are said to be poised to capitalise on the uncertainty at Liverpool with a fresh bid for the club.

But Parry insisted the US duo of George Gillett and Tom Hicks are backing manager Rafa Benitez. "There has been a lot of comment regarding our position with regards to Barry," Parry said. "This is not about questioning the manager's judgement or the ability of a particular player. The owners have clearly demonstrated throughout the year that they are willing to back Rafa in the transfer market and will continue to do so.

"It is the selling club's prerogative to put whatever price they want on the player, but on this occasion Liverpool think the price quoted is too high." * PA Sport