Barry primed for Lerner talks

GARETH BARRY is set to meet Aston Villa owner Randy Lerner in an attempt to persuade the England midfielder not to join Liverpool.

Martin O’Neill, the Villa manager, has been at loggerheads with Rafael Benitez over the Reds’ interest in Barry, who has been linked with a £10million (€12.6m) move to Anfield.

O’Neill is refusing to give up Barry without a fight after watching his club captain fire Villa’s second goal in the 2-2 draw with West Ham, although his team’s failure to book automatic qualification for next season’s UEFA Cup yesterday will not enhance his chances. “We want to do our utmost to keep Gareth because he’s so important to us and is back to his brilliant best,” O’Neill said.