The Rumour Mill whirrs into Action… by Gareth Freeman

The rumour mill is beginning to get into the swing now we’re nearing the summer transfer window and yet again Gareth Barry is being linked with a move to Liverpool, with Xabi Alonso emerging as a target for probable Real Madrid president Florentino Perez. It would seem as if Benitez will have to let Alonso go to fund a move for Barry… but is it a worthwhile swap?

Alonso has been in great form for Liverpool this season (or do we now call it last season?) and he compliments the rest of the Anfield midfield. He has great vision with his passing and is a hard worker, as well as being a vital member of their team – a fact that was demonstrated when he stepped between Jamie Carragher and Arbeloa at the weekend.

Barry hasn’t had an amazing season at Villa though he has still been one of their star players. For me Barry offers more going forward than Alonso and that could well be the reason Benitez is looking to bring Barry into the side. The Villa man is a bit of a diet coke Steven Gerrard and Liverpool do need someone to step up to the task whenever Gerrard isn’t in the side. I don’t mean any disrespect in calling Barry a ‘diet coke’ version of Gerrard, I just rate the Liverpool captain very highly.

Barry makes similar driving runs to Gerrard and the two would work well together, I think that’s a fairly safe football bet. The pair could cause all kinds of trouble from the Liverpool midfield next season and a unit of Mascherano, Gerrard and Barry would certainly be amongst the best in the world. Defensively Alonso is probably a better player than Barry but the Liverpool team is already well equipped as a defensive unit and sacrificing one great defensive player for another attacking option would probably be a good idea.

As much as I’ve appreciated the work Alonso has put in this season I would argue Benitez would be making the right decision in bringing in Barry to replace him. If Liverpool can get the £18million figure being suggested for Alonso and pay the same or less for Barry then in my opinion it would be excellent business.