Aston Villa’s Gareth Barry has decided to issue a statement to the press / fans through his agent Alex Black regarding the ongoing drama surrounding his on again / off again possible move to Premiership side Liverpool.

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.”

With the decision to stay now, is there any chance the Barry could sign a new contract with Villa?

UPDATE - It’s looking as if Barry’s deal with Liverpool will go down as the latest reports have the England International heading to the Champions League side for 17.5 Million Pound AND right back Steve Finnan.

Will the trickle down effect have Jermaine Pennant heading to Blackburn to replace David Bentley?

Aston Villa are claiming that the time for Liverpool to make a deal for Barry has come to an end. This could very well be another ploy that Villa is using to get more money out of the Reds, or it could just be that this saga has come to an end. Could be a tough one for Gareth as the fans have not been happy with him these days. How long do you think the Villa fans can hold a grudge?

If you’re a want-away like Gareth Barry is from Aston Villa, how should the home side fans react in your first appearance since the collapse of a proposed move to Liverpool?

They boo. They boo every time you touch the ball. They boo when you shoot. They boo even when you’re substituted. Then they applaud that you’re off the field.

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Liverpool have been pursuing Gareth Barry for the past few months, all the while Martin O’Neill was doing everything to hold on to his skipper and star midfielder. Things seem to have chenged now after Barry put his boss on blast saying that O’Neill failed to try and change his mind on his desire to join up with Liverpool. I’m not exactly sure how Garethbarry can make that clain. Every time I tuned into Sky Sports or read an English newspaper, Martin O’Neill was singing Barry’s praises and saying how much they wanted to keep.  Just goes to show that when a players mind is made up, there is very little that can be done to change it. My guess is Barry doesn’t want to look like the bad guy on this one, so why not shift blame to the club by saying they didn’t do enough to keep him. Will Liverpool step up and meet Villa’s £18million asking price?

Liverpool stepped up their bid to the 15 Million Pound range for England International Gareth Barry only to see Aston Villa reject it for the second time.

Martin O’Neill has been extremely vocal about Rafa Benitez’ public admiration of his left footed star and you’ve got to think it might take 20+ Million Pound to pry the 27 year old away from Villa Park.

Barry said earlier this month: ‘You only have to look at the England squad to see the amount of players who get in the squad and start the games - the majority play in the Champions League.

‘That’s all about the decision that will have to be made by myself. Liverpool are in the Champions League and Villa are trying to push for that. That’s all part of my decision if a bid gets accepted.”

image via BBC