Gareth Barry's proposed Liverpool move is again in doubt after chief executive Rick Parry said the price was too high.

The Aston Villa midfielder has been poised for a switch to Anfield all summer but the Reds have been unwilling to match the asking price of £18million.

In a statement on www.liverpoolfc.tv, Parry said: "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."

He added: "There has been a lot of comment regarding our position with regards to Gareth Barry,

"This is not about questioning the manager's judgment 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."