Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill has revealed that he is no longer pursuing Blackburn winger David Bentley after their bid was rejected, but he is waiting for Liverpool to come back for wantaway midfielder Gareth Barry.

Villa and Tottenham have been in battle for the 23-year-old England winger Bentley, but Blackburn boss Paul Ince revealed earlier this week that Villa had made a bid.

O'Neill told the club’s official website: "I wouldn't normally respond to individual links but as Paul Ince rightly said, we did make a bid for David Bentley.

"That was some time ago and Blackburn rejected the bid - as is their prerogative. We do not intend revisiting that and we have switched out attentions to other transfer targets."

On 27-year-old Barry, who is linked with Arsenal but wants to move to Anfield, O'Neill disclosed that the Merseysiders are yet to be back after having been rebuffed in their earlier attempts.

O'Neill said: "I've spoken to him (Barry) this week and he reiterated a desire to join Liverpool. So the situation remains unchanged, we're still waiting to hear back from Liverpool."