First thing today the deal was off. Now, it might be back on again.

It was announced earlier that as Liverpool had failed to meet Villa's deadline of Wednesday to sign the 27-year-old England midfielder the deal was definitely off.

It is now reported that Villa boss Martin O'Neill and chairman Randy Lerner are due to meet Barry and his agent for talks later this week.

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has said in the past that he needs to sell players before he can meet Villa's valuation for Barry, which is believed to be £18million. He has, of course, already spent more than that this week on Robbie Keane.

Villa manager Martin O'Neill said on Wednesday, "I am absolutely delighted that Gareth Barry is staying at Aston Villa. I am relieved that there is resolution and closure to the transfer saga. Now we can all look forward to the season ahead with relief, anticipation and ambition."

It would seem that O'Neill may have spoken too soon and this whole sorry saga will continue to rumble on.