Source: SKY_Sports
O'Neill - We can keep top stars
Martin O'Neill is confident Aston Villa can fend off interest in their top players, but accepts Gareth Barry could be looking for a fresh challenge in the summer.
Villa's ultimately failed bid to qualify for the UEFA Champions League has seen a number of their leading lights catch the eye.
Attacking duo Ashley Young and Gabriel Agbonhalor, in the first half of the season in particular, are thought to have courted attention from elsewhere.
O'Neill, though, is confident the progress Villa have made over the past few seasons affords them the luxury of no longer being perceived as a selling club.
"Will be fending of inquiries for players? Players are under contract. That is vitally important," he said.
"I would be surprised if some people were not inquiring about our players - big teams - but I am hoping we will be able to withstand that.
"Are Villa no longer a selling club? At the moment we are pretty vibrant. It will be up to us to try and maintain that."
While O'Neill would be loath to lose influential midfielder Barry he accepts there could be a parting of ways in the close-season, with former suitors Liverpool expected to reignite their interest.
"With Gareth, you do accept - having spent 10-11 years at the club - he would be wanting to have a look at other particular things."
O'Neill will put the emphasis on bringing in quality this summer although he recognises the need to add depth to his squad.
He added: "If you are prioritising, quality is essential. Yes, we have had some benefits from fielding a settled side this season.
"But you realise now, when you look at Manchester United and the changes all the top sides can make, how important it is to be able to do that."
