Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez and Rick Parry to move forward
RAFAEL BENITEZ and chief executive Rick Parry have vowed to "move forward together" after holding clear-the-air talks at Liverpool.
But it remains highly unlikely that Gareth Barry will move to Anfield before the transfer window closes in 10 days' time.
The working relationship between the pair had become strained by Liverpool's prolonged pursuit of Aston Villa midfielder Barry.
Benitez is frustrated over the failure to sign one of his leading summer targets, and once again questioned the speed with which the club deals in the transfer market.
That was taken as a slight against Parry, but Benitez now accepts that the chief executive was not solely responsible for the Anfield hierarchy's decision not to meet Villa's £18million asking price for Barry.
Liverpool's American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett are concerned there would be little sell-on value for a player who is already 28 years old.
But with the talks between the pair having been described as "positive", Parry and Benitez are continuing to work on strengthening the squad before the window closes at the end of the month.
Benitez said: "Clear-the-air talks have taken place. It was a positive discussion and we will now move forward together."
Parry added: "I can confirm that we had a friendly and positive meeting and we're moving forward."
Unless Villa lower their asking price or Liverpool's American owners perform a dramatic U-turn, it is highly unlikely Barry's dream move to Anfield will become a reality.
Indeed, it is believed Arsenal could be ready to meet Villa's demands. Benitez, though, remains keen to bolster his left flank, with both Albert Riera and Stewart Downing under consideration.
But with Espanyol asking £16m for Riera and Middlesbrough likely to demand around the same for Downing, the Liverpool manager is keeping his options open.
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