Aston Villain, Gareth Barry, once a respected captain with the midlands club, may now struggle to look his head coach, Martin O Neill, in the eye considering his outbursts toward the Northern Irishman over the summer.
The midlands club remain rigid on their asking price for the England international. Meanwhile speculation concerning Liverpool's initial interest has died down. Instead, Arsenal have emerged as contenders for the utility man's signature.
According to The Sun, O Neill said: "Myself and Steve Walford [Villa's first-team coach] both know Pat Rice. He phoned Steve to ask how the Liverpool thing had gone and said that they might show an interest [in buying Barry]. At the end of the conversation Arsenal said: 'that's fine' and that they'll let us know."
Arsenal have released three defensive midfielders this year in Diarra, Flamini, and Gilberto. With the incoming transfer fee for Hleb, Arsene Wenger may be keen to direct the sum straight into the accepting hands of O'Neill. Presumably, O Neill would also be more willing to do business with the North London club, considering Liverpool have come under fire by Villa, for the way they have handled the whole affair.
Villa would want £18million for their captain, but may settle for a £12million bid, if Hoyte, a long term O Neill target, were included in the deal.
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