Barry Disciplined

Aston Villa have disciplined Gareth Barry after the captain criticised manager Martin O'Neill in a weekend interview.

Barry wants to quit Villa in order to join Liverpool, who have seen bids rejected by their Premier League rivals.

On Sunday, the midfielder again expressed his wish to move on this summer and accused O'Neill of not taking the time to discuss the situation.

O'Neill has subsequently admitted that he is prepared to sanction Barry's departure providing Liverpool meet Villa's asking price.

No truth

Reports have claimed that the Reds have made a final £15million offer, plus add-ons, in a bid to tempt Villa into a sale.

Villa boss O'Neill has denied receiving a fresh bid from Liverpool and has also confirmed Barry will be punished as a result of his outburst.

"There's no truth in this morning's reports and the situation remains the same," O'Neill told the club's official website.

"Gareth will not be returning to training tomorrow and he has been disciplined after giving an unauthorised interview to the News of the World."