Aston Villa Football Club News

• Nickname:The Villains
• Founded:1874
• Manager:Alex McLeish

• Ground:Villa Park
• Capacity:42,584

Lerner confident about Barry

26 May 2009 - 11:41:52

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Aston Villa owner Randy Lerner remains confident that his club will be able to retain the services of star midfielder Gareth Barry this summer.

The 28-year-old England international is about to enter the final year of his current contract at Villa Park, with Liverpool reported to be preparing another offer for a player they came close to signing a year ago.

However, an upbeat Lerner said: "We have discussed a new contract with Gareth.

"I would give Barry the highest ranking possible, he is the best. He is a gentleman, a great player, a pleasure to be around, a leader, a great captain.

"I don't think anyone could do better than Gareth on any level. Am I optimistic Gareth will stay? Yes, I am optimistic. It is my nature.

"He is currently speaking to Martin O'Neill and that is the natural process. They will get into it and it will all get handled in the normal ways.

"Am I happy for him to wind down his current contract? That's his decision. If it means he is staying another year, I am absolutely happy.

"Even though Villa would lose £10-£12million? Yes, absolutely. You are talking about a player who is an integral part of our potential success.

"That is in terms of playing more games to winning competitions, etc. That is similarly lucrative when you think about what you can achieve with a player like that.

"It is not like you forego the proceeds and you are getting nothing back."