Martin O’Neill is ready to fight Rafa Benitez over Gareth Barry if Liverpool renew their £18million interest in him this summer.
Benitez had to pull out of the deal seven months ago when he could not raise the money but now, with a new lengthy contract and £30m to spend, he is expected to be back. If Barry stars tomorrow at Anfield and Villa end Liverpool’s sensational run of results, it will only encourage Benitez to make another bid.
But O’Neill will not give up without a fight. If Villa can win a place in the Champions League next season – another reason why they need to end a run of four Premier League games without a victory – O’Neill believes Barry will stay. But he has not given up hope of Barry hanging around even if Villa only have the Premier League to play in.
“Benitez could be back for Barry now it looks as if he’s got some money to spend,” said O’Neill. “I don’t know what Liverpool are thinking and it’s not my concern at this minute.
“In the summertime, if we qualify for the Champions League, then there would be a decent chance Barry would stay. That’s what he has said.
My stance has not changed. If we didn’t make it, the chance for him to go and play in the Champions League is not something I would begrudge him.
“Liverpool might come in: Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea – I assume Barry would want to stay in this country. Only four clubs can play in the Champions League, so there’s a limited choice.” Barry has enjoyed his football this season and has won the fans over again after angering them by saying he wanted to go to Liverpool. And O’Neill admitted: “We’d love to keep Barry at Aston Villa.”
Steven Gerrard against Barry in midfield could be key to whether Liverpool can follow on from their four-goal wins over Real Madrid and Manchester United. “Barry is a very capable player,” said O’Neill. “We are capable of going to Anfield and getting a result.”
O’Neill fell out with Benitez when he attempted to buy Barry and although he says the row is forgotten, the relationship is still cool. “I’ve got the utmost respect for the coaches who are doing it,” said O’Neill.
“Benitez has won the Champions League with Liverpool and done exceptionally well with Valencia. I’m not constantly on the phone to Benitez, but the relationship is fine. It’s gone.”
But not totally forgotten, though? “You may be right.”
Benitez had to pull out of the deal seven months ago when he could not raise the money but now, with a new lengthy contract and £30m to spend, he is expected to be back. If Barry stars tomorrow at Anfield and Villa end Liverpool’s sensational run of results, it will only encourage Benitez to make another bid.
But O’Neill will not give up without a fight. If Villa can win a place in the Champions League next season – another reason why they need to end a run of four Premier League games without a victory – O’Neill believes Barry will stay. But he has not given up hope of Barry hanging around even if Villa only have the Premier League to play in.
“Benitez could be back for Barry now it looks as if he’s got some money to spend,” said O’Neill. “I don’t know what Liverpool are thinking and it’s not my concern at this minute.
“In the summertime, if we qualify for the Champions League, then there would be a decent chance Barry would stay. That’s what he has said.
My stance has not changed. If we didn’t make it, the chance for him to go and play in the Champions League is not something I would begrudge him.
“Liverpool might come in: Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea – I assume Barry would want to stay in this country. Only four clubs can play in the Champions League, so there’s a limited choice.” Barry has enjoyed his football this season and has won the fans over again after angering them by saying he wanted to go to Liverpool. And O’Neill admitted: “We’d love to keep Barry at Aston Villa.”
Steven Gerrard against Barry in midfield could be key to whether Liverpool can follow on from their four-goal wins over Real Madrid and Manchester United. “Barry is a very capable player,” said O’Neill. “We are capable of going to Anfield and getting a result.”
O’Neill fell out with Benitez when he attempted to buy Barry and although he says the row is forgotten, the relationship is still cool. “I’ve got the utmost respect for the coaches who are doing it,” said O’Neill.
“Benitez has won the Champions League with Liverpool and done exceptionally well with Valencia. I’m not constantly on the phone to Benitez, but the relationship is fine. It’s gone.”
But not totally forgotten, though? “You may be right.”