Villa will let Barry go if price is right

ASTON VILLA manager Martin O'Neill has hit back in his row with wantaway midfielder Gareth Barry and told him he is free to join Liverpool – for the right price.

Villa recently rejected a £15 million bid from their Barclays Premier League rivals and are thought to be holding out for around £18m.

Barry yesterday blasted his Villa Park boss for failing to attempt to change his mind over a move to Anfield, but O'Neill has vehemently denied that claim.

"The chairman and I were surprised at Gareth's comments," he said.

"Contrary to what he said, we desperately wanted to keep him – and he knows that.

"But, if Liverpool meet our valuation, Gareth will get his expressed wish to leave.

"Until then, he remains an Aston Villa player."