With Xabi Alonso apparently getting resigned – although far from ecstatic – to the idea that a transfer to Juventus is inevitable, no progress seems to be made as far as his probable replacement – Gareth Barry – is concerned. A transfer that was to be concluded two weeks ago still drags on with Liverpool’s offer inching upwards yet without any making any real impact on Aston Villa’s stand.

It is fair to say that most Liverpool fans would like nothing than seeing both moves fall through. Better keep one of Europe’s finest passers of the ball than go for a player whose technical ability is much more limited, especially when it is going to cost significantly more to do so.

Benitez, however, doesn’t see it in that way. Alonso’s regular omissions in the latter half of last season hinted that he wasn’t too happy with his contributions and the desire to conclude a deal with Juventus wasn’t born exclusively out of the urge to raise money in order to fund his summer transfers.

For him, Barry is an important tactical addition both for his ability to play in various roles and also for the added mobility, as well as consistency, he would bring to Liverpool’s midfield.

Yet increasingly that desire to bring Barry to Liverpool is being tested. The deal turned sour after Martin O’Neil’s outburst last May and it has become increasingly more complicated ever since. For Aston Villa, and particularly O’Neil, it has apparently become more than simply the reluctance to sell an important player or the desire to get the best possible deal.

Their point blank refusal to lower their asking price means that the deal is becoming riskier for Liverpool. Benitez cannot afford to blow what money he has available on Barry, regardless of how important he sees him in his plans.

Even if he did go down that road, the pressure on Barry would increase considerably. Not only would he have to fill the void left by Alonso – which many fans already doubt he can do – but he would also have to justify the price tag every time he puts on a red shirt.

Of course, it is impossible not to empathise with Aston Villa, especially for Liverpool. It is all very similar to when Steven Gerrard was tempted by Chelsea and was close to completing the deal. Just as Liverpool did then, it is only logical that Villa will do everything possible to keep him at their club.

Digging your heels in, however, cannot be the answer. They’ve got as much to lose as Liverpool if the deal collapses. Every attempt has been made to keep Barry at the club including informing him of which players will be coming in. Yet this hasn’t been enough to convince him that within twelve months Villa will be any closer to getting into the Champions League.

It is a slap to O’Neil’s pride, which could explain his stance, yet it also places a question mark over how Barry would react if he were to stay at Villa. Certainly, it is difficult to envisage a player who has given such a public vote of no confidence in the future of the team being fit to captain the side. It is equally difficult to see him being as inspirational and influential as he has been for them over the past twelve months.

All of which means that, at this stage it makes much more sense for Liverpool to back away from the deal in the hope that Aston Villa decide to lower their request. If not, then no one more than Benitez would appreciate that Liverpool would have much more to lose than gain by pressing forward regardless of everything.