Gareth Barry transfer saga

So the tug-of-war for Gareth Barry ('Gaz Baz') is degenerating into a he-said, he-said between managers Rafa Benitez and Martin O'Neill, with some especially tough words by the Villa manager for the Spaniard. O'Neill has the upper hand in the public bickering given Rafa's lack of cultural nous and his limited English skills. Nevertheless, there should be no doubt that a move to Liverpool would best serve Gareth Barry's interests -- what with the Liverpool cachet, the promise of regular top-level European football, and the opportunity to play with the best players in the world. The wage packet shouldn't be too shabby either. And while I understand his reluctance to part with his best player, surely O'Neill has to accept these realities. In my view, the Villa boss should make the best of the situation and finagle the best possible deal for his club -- Rafa has offered GBP 10M in cash, as well as a possible player exchange involving, apparently, John Arne Riise and Peter Crouch. Let's also not forget Liverpool loanee, goalkeeper Scott Carson, who also features regularly in the England lineup and could become part of the deal since he has indicated in the past he would welcome a permanent move to Villa.