Transfer news and speculation, 11 August

Gareth Barry's proposed move to Liverpool has been thrown into further doubt after chief executive Rick Parry said the quoted price was "too high".

The Villa midfielder has been poised for a move to Anfield all summer, but the Reds have been unwilling to match the asking price of £18m. There was speculation at the weekend that Liverpool's American owners were not willing to fork out the money following Robbie Keane's £20.3m move from Tottenham. Parry yesterday insisted George Gillett and Tom Hicks are backing Rafael Benitez.

"There has been a lot of comment regarding our position with regards to Gareth Barry," Parry said. "This is not about questioning the manager's judgement or the ability of a particular player. The owners have clearly demonstrated throughout the year they are willing to back Rafa in the transfer market and will continue to do so. It is obviously the selling club's prerogative to put whatever price they want on the player, but on this occasion Liverpool think the price quoted is too high."

Kaka could be Chelsea player before September, says agent

The Brazilian Kaka could still join Chelsea before the end of the month, according to the player's agent, Diogo Kotscho. "We know that the clubs are talking about the transfer, although they have not reached a conclusion yet," he said. "I think an August transfer is still a possibility, although Kaka will only talk about that when they do a deal. He is waiting and then he will start to negotiate with Chelsea. Normally, Milan do not sell their best players. We think they like the proposal, but it is not so easy for them to accept it. For now we must just wait and see."

Drogba wants to stay in London

Chelsea's Didier Drogba says he will remain at Stamford Bridge for another two years at least. The Ivory Coast striker has been linked with a move, with Barcelona, Milan and Internazionale thought to be possible destinations. However, the 30-year-old said yesterday that he was going nowhere and that he would happily see out his contract with the Blues. "I have always said that I am very happy at Chelsea," he told France Football magazine. "It's a great team with great players and a great coach. Everything's going well here and I have two years left on my contract and I will spend them at Chelsea."

What the papers say

Manchester United are set to bid £20m for Thierry Henry according to The Mail On Sunday. But The People believes that Sir Alex Ferguson is trying to sign Micah Richards from Manchester City for £19m. City could be getting rich then, as Henry's former club Arsenal are set to put an £8m offer in for City's Michael Johnson, so says the Sunday Express. The Mail says that Everton are to use their Andy Johnson cash to buy the Real Zaragoza striker Diego Milito. Justin Hoyte of Arsenal is heading to Middlesbrough as a replacement for Luke Young. The Sunday Mirror thinks that Aston Villa are set to bid £17.5m for Chelsea's Joe Cole.