Lerner keen to persuade Barry
12 May 2008 - 07:54:56
Aston Villa chairman Randy Lerner is set to hold talks with Gareth Barry as rumours continue to link the England international midfielder with a summer switch to Liverpool.
Barry has spent his entire career at Villa Park but was the subject of a recent offer from Reds boss Rafa Benitez.
Villa are desperate to keep their influential midfielder though, with boss Martin O'Neill saying after his side's 2-2 draw with West Ham United: "We want to do our utmost to keep Gareth because he's so important to us and is back to his brilliant best.
"It's interesting and ironic that apparently there was an offer from an Italian club for Steven Gerrard yet Liverpool were quick to remind everyone that he's under contract.
"Gareth has two years left on his contract and we want him to stay. The chairman will talk to him to show how much we value him.
"I'll not be made to feel under pressure by other clubs because they want one of our players. We're going to talk it through with Gareth.
"I can't understand why Gareth would want to leave. He's only 27 and has been brilliant for us. He's been selected for England and has played regularly for them because of his exploits with Villa."