Arsenal join the hunt for Aston Villa's Gareth Barry

Arsenal have asked Aston Villa to keep them informed of Gareth Barry's status.

The midfielder appeared destined for Anfield, but with Liverpool seemingly unable to agree a fee with Villa, the deal has floundered.

And now Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill has revealed that Arsenal might be prepared to step in if the Liverpool deal does fall through.

"Myself and Steve Walford both know Arsene Wenger's assistant Pat Rice," said O'Neil.

"He phoned Steve to ask how the Liverpool thing had gone and said that they might show an interest.

"At the end of the conversation Arsenal said 'that's fine' and that they'll let us know.

"That is exactly what happened."

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