The Reds' improved offer, reportedly in the region of £15million, was turned down by the midlands club late on Wednesday night.

A Villa spokesman said: "The offer was a slight improvement on a previous bid but our position on the issue remains unchanged and Liverpool have been informed."

The 27-year-old made 40 appearances for the Villa Park outfit last season, scoring nine goals.

Barry signed as a professional at Villa in 1998, and in his decade at the club has made 327 appearances.

At the age of 26 he became the youngest ever player to appear in 300 Premier League matches.