Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is apparently still determined to continue his pursuit of Gareth Barry – despite growing concerns that Villa may be caught in a cross-fire over the player and the club’s American owners.

After a home friendly victory over Lazio, the Anfield chief refused to rule himself out of the hunt for the Villa star.

It is believed Benitez is facing opposition from Tom Hicks and George Gillett over the cost, length of contract and viability of such a lot of money spent on a 28-year-old.

Benitez promised to sign one more new player this summer, insisting it will be to fill his problem left-flank area – and maintained the new player will be English.

He said: “This deal is not about money.”

The situation was complicated by the outstanding performance of Xabi Alonso against Lazio. The reception and backing he got from the Kop crowd indicated they clearly do not want to see one of their favourites sold to buy Barry.

Benitez said: “We have a good player in Alonso and we have another good player coming in soon. We can improve the squad, so we will try to do that. We will bring in one more player if we can.

“I do not know when. But clearly we have problems on the left. Harry Kewell has gone, Fabio Aurelio is injured and Sebastien Leto cannot get a work permit.

“Ryan Babel is also away in the Olympic Games. Maybe he can come back and fill that role, but I know we can improve in this area.

“Who comes in? It could be another left-sided player, rather than a central midfielder. Maybe he can play in three different positions.

“That is a positive thing. I am talking about one player but I won’t say the name.”

Benitez refused to be specific yet, when asked a direct question, declined to rule out a player who exactly fits his description.

He said: “I will try to improve the team and the squad if I can. I am pleased because we have not lost again. I will try to do my best to improve the squad.

“The situation is not a question of money.”

Villa will now be hoping that, after turning Barry’s head during an exhaustive summer’s wranglings, some closure can finally be found.

It appears that Liverpool are the only club interested in Barry, with Arsenal effectively ending their interest by holding talks with Udinese midfielder Gokhan Inler.

His agent Dino Lamberti said: “We have had a very positive discussion with Arsene Wenger.”

The Swiss international is expected to cost £12 million.