Barry staying at Villa

0 Comments | AFP, July, 2008

BIRMINGHAM, England (AFP) — Aston Villa captain Gareth Barry is to stay with the Midlands club after repeated approaches from Premier League rivals Liverpool.

Barry appeared to have his heart set on a move to Anfield, where he would have joined up with fellow England midfielder Steven Gerrard.

But Villa said Wednesday the 27-year-old would be staying with the Birmingham side after Liverpool failed to reach a deadline they'd imposed to meet their 18 million pounds (36 million dollars) for the player.

"This evening, Aston Villa can announce that Gareth Barry will be staying with the club following the interest from Liverpool over recent months," the club said in a statement.

"During discussions in the past few days, a final deadline to conclude this...