Barry price 'too high' say Liverpool

(CNN) -- Gareth Barry's proposed move to Liverpool from Aston Villa is looking in considerable doubt after Anfield chief executive Rick Parry said the fee demanded for the England international was "too high."

The midfielder has been poised to move to Merseyside all summer and last week Villa manager Martin O'Neill conceded defeat in his battle to keep Barry and said he could go.

But the $36 million fee demanded by Villa for his services has made Liverpool think twice, with reports that owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks will not sanction the move.

Parry told Liverpool's television station that neither Hicks or Gillett were questioning the judgment of manager Rafa Benitez, but added:

"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."

Liverpool, desperate to win the English title after years of domination by north-west rivals Manchester United, have splashed out over $40 million to land Tottenham striker Robbie Keane and it is reported that Benitez will have to sell before he can buy again.

Midfielder Xabi Alonso was the most likely to leave Liverpool, but his reported move to Italian side Juventus appears to have been put on ice.

Liverpool face a Champions League third qualifying tie against Standard Liege in midweek as they begin their campaign to regain the European title they won in 2006.