Barry: In demand

I would never like to be holding people to ransom.

Gareth Barry
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Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry will not provide 'answers' to questions surrounding his long-term future until May.

The England international was the target of four failed bids from Liverpool in the summer as the Anfield outfit were hesitant to meet Villa's £18million valuation in a lengthy transfer saga.

Barry - who is also understood to be on the radar of Arsenal and Tottenham - recently pledged to stay with Villa until the end of the season, ruling out any potential January switch.

But the 27-year-old is to wait until the end of the season before agreeing to any possible contract extension at Villa Park, suggesting he wishes to see if Martin O'Neill books UEFA Champions League football.

Strong

"I realise that (the speculation will not go away entirely) and I'm sure the manager does as well," Barry told the Midlands Express & Star.

"The questions might start in April now but you will not get answers until May.

"Hopefully when the time comes we will be looking at Aston Villa in a strong position rather than thinking about my position."

However, Barry - who has 17 months remaining on his current terms with Villa - insists he will not hold the club to 'ransom' over the necessity of Champions League football.

Best

"It would be unfair of me, it's just not going to be like that," Barry added when asked if he could only consider staying if a spot in the top four of the Premier League is secured.

"I would never like to be holding people to ransom."

Barry has also admitted that playing abroad during his career could be an option, but he is adamant that the Premier League produces the best football.

"Would I move abroad? It's something you would never rule out but the Premier League is the place to be. I would rather be playing here," he concluded.