Villa boss O'Neill reiterated his determination to hold on to his captain, who was recently the subject of a £10million bid from the Merseysiders.

Reports yesterday suggested England midfielder Barry, 27, would be sold if the price was right.

But an angry O'Neill told his club's official website, www.avfc.co.uk: "I have not said anything of the sort. To suggest I would be happy to sell Gareth is simply not true.

"I did say that no club would want to keep an unhappy player but at no time has Gareth expressed any displeasure about his time at Villa."

O'Neill and Villa owner Randy Lerner have been attempting to persuade Barry, who has two years remaining on his contract, to commit his future to the club.

"We are doing everything we can," O'Neill added.

"We are determined to keep Gareth at Villa Park. To say that I am resigned to losing him is simply not the case."