England midfielder Gareth Barry will not be
leaving Aston Villa this summer after he pledged his immediate
future to the Villans.
Barry has been a transfer target for the Reds since the
end of last season, but the two clubs were unable to agree on a
fee.
Barry was disciplined by Villa earlier in the summer after
criticising manager Martin O'Neill's handling of the saga, and made
it clear he wanted to move to Anfield.
But the midfielder has since been welcomed back into the fold
and his agent, Alex Black, has confirmed that he will not be on the
move during the current transfer window.
Black admitted that Barry made the decision to stay at Villa
Park a fortnight ago, and talks over any new deal will now not take
place until the end of the season.
In a statement released to Sky Sports News, Black said: "After
much speculation I can confirm that Gareth Barry will not leave
Aston Villa before the transfer window closes.
"Gareth made the decision to stay two weeks ago and informed
Aston Villa of his intentions.
"During this time discussions have taken place to decide the
best way forward for all parties.
"Any talks regarding potential new contracts at Aston Villa will
not take place until the end of the season.
"Gareth wants to concentrate on playing on the best of his
ability for Aston Villa, and we hope this draws a line under the
matter."