Barry keen to resolve future

Midfielder tempted by Liverpool

By Lewis Rutledge   Last updated: 3rd June 2008

Barry Gareth

Barry: Wanted by Liverpool

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Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry is keen to sort out his future as soon as possible.

Barry has two years left to run on his Villa contract but Liverpool have set their sights on signing him this summer and Rafa Benitez has already had a £10million bid rejected by Martin O'Neill.

O'Neill is desperate to keep the 27-year-old, who was made England captain for the second half of Sunday's international friendly against Trinidad and Tobago.

Barry is happy to hear of Liverpool's interest but would like the matter to be resolved now rather drag on for another couple of months.

"I would like things cleared up. The sooner the better, it would be easier for myself and for the fans as well, so I'm sure we can get it done pretty soon," said Barry.

"I've got nothing planned with Martin O'Neill but I'm sure the manager will want to speak to me and I'll eventually want to speak to the manager. That will come soon enough.

Flattering

"It's obviously very flattering, the team has made a bid for me but until the bid gets accepted I can't even think about it."

Barry admits it would be a wrench to leave Villa but he would relish the chance to play in the UEFA Champions League.

"Champions League football helps any player," he said. "You only have to look at the England squad to see the amount of players who get in the squad and start the games - the majority play in the Champions League.

"That's all about the decision that will have to be made by myself. Liverpool are in the Champions League and Villa are trying to push for that. That's all part of my decision if a bid gets accepted.

"Just to think about it makes it a tough decision. There's so much to lose at Aston Villa. I've been there for 10 years, got a good rapport with the fans, I'm captain [and have a] great relationship with the manager."