O'Neill admits Barry uncertainty

Villa boss won't put pressure on midfielder to commit to club

By James Dall   Last updated: 18th November 2008

Gareth Barry Aston Villa

Barry: Interest expected

Related links

Teams

Players

Also see

Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill has admitted he has 'absolutely no idea' what the future holds for Gareth Barry come the January transfer window.

Barry was strongly linked with a switch to Liverpool in the summer but a move failed to materialise as Villa held out for a reported asking price of £18million.

However, with the turn of the year forthcoming, there is expected to be renewed interest in the England international with Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur also mooted as potential suitors.

Barry has 18 months to run on his current contract but O'Neill has no plans to force discussions over a new deal.

Head in the sand

"When I'm asked about Barry's future I'm not hiding anything. It's just I have absolutely no idea what might happen in January," he said in the Birmingham Mail.

"The fact I have not spoken to Gareth is not brushing it under the carpet, or leaving heads in the sand. Not at all.

"I am not a soothsayer. I don't know what is going to happen in the future. But I am certainly not going to start putting pressure on someone who may not even want to do these things.

"I am just pleased Gareth is still here, and pleased he is still playing well. He also has the England scenario to look at, and I just want him to stay as focused as he possibly can.

"That's the only way I can play it until we see what January brings."