Aston Villa have confirmed unsettled midfielder Gareth Barry, a summer target for Arsenal and Liverpool, will return to training on Wednesday.The England international has been excluded from the club's pre-season plans after he criticised manager Martin O'Neill's handling of his proposed move to Liverpool.

Villa and the Reds have been discussing the future of Barry since the end of last season, but have so far been unable to agree on a fee.

The Reds have seen a number of offers rejected by their Premier League rivals, who are believed to be holding out for £18million.

O'Neill hinted on Tuesday that the Gunners could enter the race for Barry's services, while the possibility remains that he may still be at Villa Park next season.

With Barry due to return to training, he could now be involved in the club's Intertoto Cup clash away to Danish side Odense on Saturday.

A statement on the club's official website read: "The club can confirm that Gareth Barry will be back in training at Bodymoor Heath tomorrow (Wednesday)."

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