Barry in hint on Anfield switch; Villa midfielder 'flattered' by Liverpool move to sign him.

Byline: BY NICK SMITH Daily Post Staff

GARETH BARRY has dropped the biggest hint yet that he is considering a switch to Liverpool this summer.

Aston Villa are determined to hold on to their captain and manager Martin O'Neill wants to hold talks with the player in an attempt to head off further interest from Anfield.

A player-plus-cash offer worth pounds 10million has already been rejected by Villa but with Rafael Benitez keen to add the England midfielder to his squad, decision time is looming for Barry.

And he admitted last night that the lure of instant Champions League football with an established Premier League top four club could be too tempting to resist.

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

But he added: "Champions League football helps any player. 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."

Barry is under considerable pressure from his manager, the board and fans to remain at the only professional club he has played for - and a local newspaper even started a campaign to persuade him to stay.

However, at 27 his ambitions to step up to the next level need to be realised soon and as it stands, his route to playing in Europe next season will have to be via the Intertoto Cup after Villa were beaten to a UEFA Cup place by Everton.

But whatever he decides to do, he is assuring Villa supporters that he won't prolong their agony.

"Just to think about it, makes it a tough decision," he admitted. "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 there, great relationship with the manager.

"But 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.

"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."

Barry struck up an eye-catching midfield partnership with Steven Gerrard during England's end-of-season friendlies in the past week.

It was his pass that teed up Gerrard for England's second goal in the 2-0 win over the USA at Wembley, prompting the Liverpool captain to immediately urge Barry to join him at Anfield.

But Barry said: "It was a bit of a surprise to see Steven go so public."

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Aston Villa and England midfielder Gareth Barry has hinted he would be interested in a move to Liverpool Picture: PA; Steven Gerrard