Benitez & Parry hold peace talks

Benitez (left) and Parry will work together to strengthen the squad

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez and chief executive Rick Parry have held clear-the-air talks.

Last weekend Benitez revealed his frustration over his perceived lack of boardroom support in trying to sign Gareth Barry from Aston Villa.

"Talks have taken place. It was a positive discussion and we will now move forward together," said Benitez.

Parry told the club's website: "I can confirm we had a friendly and positive meeting and we're moving forward."

606: DEBATE Is this meeting significant for Liverpool?

Spaniard Benitez has been trying to sign Barry, 27, since April but the club's American owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks have baulked at meeting Villa's asking price of £18m.

Last week Liverpool released a statement confirming that, despite being identified by Benitez as a transfer target, the club's hierarchy were unwilling to match Villa's valuation.

The statement said that "this is not about questioning the manager's judgement or the ability of a particular player" - but the issue has rankled Benitez.

Liverpool have been linked with left-sided players including Albert Riera and Stewart Downing.

Any potential Barry transfer has been complicated by his appearance in Villa's Uefa Cup tie against FH Hafnarfjordur last week, which rules him out of playing in the Champions League group stages.