O'Neill - No Arsenal approach

Villa boss remains keen for Barry to stay

By Peter Fraser   Last updated: 22nd August 2008

O'Neill - No Arsenal approach

O'Neill: Disappointed to see Maloney go

We would be delighted if Gareth stayed. That has been our stance all the way through.

Martin O'Neill
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Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill insists he has received no contact from Arsenal regarding Gareth Barry.

The £18million-rated midfielder has been at the centre of a summer-long transfer tussle as Liverpool attempt to secure his services.

However, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has now admitted an interest in Barry, who is keen to play UEFA Champions League football, as he looks to add experience to his young squad.

O'Neill, though, is adamant he has yet to receive an approach from the Gunners and has reiterated that he is desperate to see England international Barry stay at Villa Park.

"No, I haven't, not a thing," O'Neill told Sky Sports News when asked if he had received contact from Arsenal.

"He (Barry) is a great player and he has played exceptionally well for us in the last two games and that is the most important thing for Aston Villa.

Commitment

"We are delighted with his commitment and we would be delighted if he stayed. That has been our stance all the way through."

Meanwhile, O'Neill has admitted he would rather be signing new faces than allowing players to leave after seeing Shaun Maloney return to Celtic.

Maloney joined Villa from Celtic in January 2007, but he has now moved back to Scotland in a bid to secure first-team football.

"I'm disappointed that Shaun has gone because I would rather be adding to the squad," said O'Neill.

"Celtic came calling and the call was too strong. We decided it was in the best interests of everyone that he went back."