Benitez at War With Yanks . . Again!

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is rumoured to be furious with Liverpool owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett over the prolonged transfer of Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry (pictured).

The awaited transfer of the England midfielder has dragged on all summer and could carry on into the new season which is only 7 days away.

Benitez is said to be eager to pay the £18m for Barry but the Yanks are unwilling to pay up as they feel Liverpool are already backed in the centre midfield position with players such as, Steven Gerrard, Xabi Alonso, Javier Mascherano, Lucas Leiva and Damien Plessis.

Benitez realises he could also use Barry on the left side of midfield after the departures of Ryan Babel to the Olympics, the release of Australlian Harry Kewell and Sebastian Leto leaving on a two-year loan after failing in getting a work permit.

If Barry is to join Liverpool, Benitez may be forced into selling fringe players as such as Jermaine Pennant, Andriy Voronin and Steve Finnan to raise the funds to bring the 27 year old to Anfield.