O’Neill willing to let Barry see out his contract

ASTON VILLA manager Martin O’Neill has admitted he would be content for Gareth Barry to see out the final year of his contract, even if it costs the club a sizeable transfer fee.

Villa looked set to lose Barry to Liverpool 12 months ago only for the Reds to pull out of the deal after being unwilling to meet the £18 million (€20.5m) valuation of the player.

Barry would still be worth around £10m (€11.5m) this summer despite having only one year left of his contract. O’Neill would ideally like to hold on to the England midfielder if Barry refuses to sign long term and is content to wind down his existing deal.