The statement added that "this is not about questioning the manager's judgement or the ability of a particular player" - but the issue has rankled Benitez, who told the media on Friday to ask chief executive Rick Parry about the Barry negotiations.

BBC: Barry transfer saga riles Benitez

Crucially, this capacity will be used to treat NHS patients in line with NHS values - free at the point of use and always with the judgement based on clinical need, not ability to pay.

BBC: NEWS | UK | UK Politics | In full: Blair on his NHS pledges