Liverpool to renew pursuit of Villa’s Gareth Barry

Rafa Benitez has set his sights on finally luring Aston Villa's England international Gareth Barry to the Merseysiders, and he's willing to let Xabi Alonso leave Anfield to finance the move. Benitez's pursuit of Barry was the on-off saga of last summer, and after an ultimately fruitless season at Villa Park during which the midfielder has slogged his guts out for the club, he should be able to leave with Martin O'Neill's blessing. Meanwhile, Spaniard Alonso would most likely head to Juventus in Italy...

However, one signature that Benitez appears not to be able to get this summer will be that of Portsmouth defender Glen Johnson. The right-back has been in outstanding form during a difficult season for the south coasters, and is considered a certainty for a £10m move to Tottenham, where he will be reunited with his former boss at Fratton Park, Harry Redknapp...

Real Madrid have joined the list of clubs courting Arsenal's manager Arsene Wenger, but the Frenchman is reported to have turned down a £40m from the Spanish giants. Wenger was targetted last month by Bayern Munich to replace their former manager Jurgen Klinsmann, but turned them down. Wenger's current contract at the Emirates lasts until the end of next season, and he is believed to want to sign up for another three years in north London...

Who will be in Wenger's team next season is a matter for some debate. After an underwhelming return for the club this term, Emmaneul Adebayor could be on his way out of the Emirates, with AC Milan the likeliest destination. Of more concern to the Arsenal hierarchy is the future of Cesc Fabregas, Robin van Persie and Theo Walcott, all of whom have been linked with the cream of European football. Just this week the Italian press reported of Juventus's interest in signing the maruading England winger Walcott... ·