Manchester City is hopeful of completing the signing of Gareth Barry today after Aston Villa accepted its $20 million bid for the England international. With a medical appointment scheduled for this afternoon, the transfer could go through as early as tonight, leaving Rafael Benitez, the Liverpool manager, with the bitter disappointment of missing out on his prime target. Barry’s move might sit uncomfortably with Aston Villa fans and manager Martin O’Neill.
Last year, Barry indicated that his main desire to leave Villa stemmed from a desire to play in the Champions League. But Manchester City finished 10th in the Premier League this season, 12 points behind Villa, failing to qualify for any European tournaments.