Aston Villa FC

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• Manager:Gerard Houllier

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Reo-Coker issues Barry plea

20 May 2008 - 07:17:47

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Aston Villa midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker is hoping Gareth Barry spurns the advances of Liverpool and opts to remain with the Midlands club.

Reo-Coker joined Villa for £7.5million from West Ham last summer and has been a regular at the heart of the midfield alongside club captain Barry.

But, despite Liverpool lodging a £10million bid for his services and further reports suggesting Arsenal also want to sign the versatile midfielder, Reo-Coker is hoping the England international decides to remain at Villa Park.

"It's very important for us to keep Gareth, but only Gareth can speak about that and make his own decision," he told the club's official website.

"That's between Gareth and the manager. I haven't really spoken to Gareth or Martin (O'Neill) about it.

"I have always been a big fan of Gareth even before I came here. He's always been a top class player for me and he's been fantastic for us this season.

"It's important for us to keep him, but that's not my decision, it's down to Gareth, the manager and the powers that be.

"If we want to get to that fourth place, you wouldn't want to lose your best players."