Transfer watch: Barry not leaving

Aston Villa have rejected an improved bid from Liverpool for captain Gareth Barry. The Reds' improved offer, reportedly in the region of £15million (Dh107m), was turned down by the midlands club late on Wednesday night. A Villa spokesman said: "The offer was a slight improvement on a previous bid, but our position on the issue remains unchanged and Liverpool have been informed." - Serie A side Lazio are keen to sign Celtic striker Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink, according to president Claudio Lotito. The Dutchman recently pledged his future to the Scottish champions, however, Lotito has revealed Lazio would be interested in taking the frontman to the Stadio Olimpico if they can strike a deal with Celtic. He said: "Vennegoor of Hesselink is a player we rate highly. "We've been watching him closely for a while. His strength is a real force and he has a lot of European experience. "He is a player who without question interests us but it depends what Celtic would ask for as a transfer fee. Beyond seven million Euros is out of our reach." - Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp has admitted he is interested in signing "top player" Eidur Gudjohnsen. The Icelandic striker is available this summer after growing tired of limited opportunities at Barcelona. "Eidur is a good player, a proper player," said Redknapp. "It does look like he is leaving Barcelona. "If that's the case he'd definitely be the type of player we'd be interested in." "He's someone I know and he's good friends with Jamie. He's a good lad and a top player." - Patrice Evra has signed a four-year contract extension at Manchester United. "The past two-and-a-half seasons have been the start of a dream for me," he said. "It is a pleasure and an honour to be part of this fantastic side and to be coached by Sir Alex Ferguson. - Arsenal want Yaya Toure to be included in any potential deal they strike with Barcelona in regards to Alexander Hleb. The Gunners appear resigned to letting the former Stuttgart man leave the Emirates Stadium this summer, but Arsene Wenger is keen to ensure that they get the best possible deal.