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O'Neill unsure over Barry's future at Villa

23/04/2008

Martin O'Neill has admitted he remains in the dark over whether Gareth Barry will still be an Aston Villa player next season.

The Villans boss is rumoured to be facing a battle to keep the England international after reported interest from a number of the country's top clubs, including Chelsea and Liverpool.

And O'Neill could not be sure over Barry's future when asked if he would still be plying his trade at Villa Park in 2008/09.

"We will do our utmost to try to keep Gareth - whether we can I don't know," O'Neill said.

Barry's stock has risen significantly in the last year after his club form earned him a recall to the England squad in February 2007, four years on from his previous cap.

Following a number of solid performances in central midfield, especially against Israel, Estonia and Russia in the Euro 2008 qualifiers last autumn, Barry is now considered something of a regular for England duty.

He is quickly carving a niche for himself in the midfield holding role, complementing Steven Gerrard or Frank Lampard's more marauding styles and forward runs.

This in turn has alerted the English Champions League regulars to his talent, and Barry could be the subject of repeated transfer speculation throughout the summer as a result.