LIVERPOOL have moved to end speculation that manager Rafa Benitez is once again on collision course with American owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks - this time over the signing of Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry.

Weekend national newspaper reports said the American pair were now refusing to back Benitez's bid to sign the Villa player, with some claiming the club felt Benitez's team was already well-blessed with midfielders.

But chief executive Rick Parry released a late-night statement insisting it was the price of the player which was the issue, not whether Benitez was right to chase him.

Parry said: "There has been a lot of comment today regarding our position with regards to Gareth Barry.

"This is not about questioning the Manager's judgement or the ability of a particular player. The owners have clearly demonstrated throughout the year they are willing to back Rafa in the transfer market and will continue to do so.

"It is obviously the selling club's prerogative to put whatever price they want on the player, but on this occasion Liverpool think the price quoted is too high."

Villa are refusing to let Barry go for less than £18million.