Birmingham Post: Martin O'Neill has warned Liverpool they will still have to pay at least £10million for Gareth Barry. Liverpool, who tabled four failed bids for Barry last summer, are set to resume their pursuit of Aston Villa's England midfielder. And Villa boss O'Neill has pledged not to stand in Barry's way if the left-footed maestro wants to quit for Champions League football. But O'Neill insists Barry,28, valued at £18m last summer, will still cost a lot despite having only 12 months remaining on his £47,000-a-week contract.

The Sun: Michael Owen would be welcomed with open arms by Aston Villa's players. The striker will spark a transfer war this summer when he leaves relegated Newcastle on a free. Villa are one of a posse of clubs who have made informal enquiries about the ex-England ace.

Mirror: Curtis Davies believes it would send a message of intent to the other Barclays Premier League clubs if Aston Villa were to pursue out-of-contract Newcastle striker Michael Owen. Owen looks certain to have played his last game for the Magpies as a substitute against Villa when a single-goal reversal confirmed their relegation from the top flight.

Sky Sports: Daniel Sturridge could be set to leave Manchester City after contract talks ground to a halt. The 19-year-old striker is out of contract this summer and has been in negotiations with City bosses over a new deal. The Academy product is believed to be pushing for a £40,000-a-week package after scoring six goals from 32 senior appearances, which have included 12 starts. But manager Mark Hughes confirmed on Sunday that the club's latest offer has been turned down and there are no plans to re-open talks. Sturridge would be available on a free transfer and Chelsea and Aston Villa are believed to be monitoring the situation, although either would have to pay City compensation for the youngster.

Birmingham Post: Curtis Davies would welcome the signing of England's fallen hero Michael Owen if Aston Villa join the vultures sure to be circling the Newcastle United striker. Owen will be available on a free transfer in the summer and is expected to seek a move to the Premier League following the Magpies' relegation from the top flight. Villa manager Martin O'Neill is a known admirer of Owen, although he has refused to confirm any interest in the former Liverpool and Real Madrid player. Davies contributed to Newcastle's downfall by shackling substitute Owen and his strike partners during the 1-0 Villa victory which confirmed the St James' Park club's relegation on Sunday.