Gerrard keen to further Barry partnership

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Barry is expected to be confirmed on Saturday as the fourth skipper of Fabio Capello's reign after Gerrard, Rio Ferdinand and John Terry.

But Gerrard is already thinking ahead to the prospect of him and Barry continuing their England partnership at Anfield next season. "I know all about Gareth, I am good friends with him off the pitch and I am desperate for us to sign him," he said.

"Gareth Barry is someone who will improve Liverpool. We can't be disrespectful to Villa. He is still their player and we will see what happens," he said.

The Reds have already had one £10 million cash plus players bid rejected by Villa and Barry is due to have further talks with manager Martin O'Neill and co-owner Randy Lerner before any decision is made.

Gerrard added: "Naturally, they are going to try and keep hold of him, and rightly so because he is one of their star men. He has been a fantastic servant for them over many years.

"But, from a biased point of view, I want Gareth Barry to become a Liverpool player.

"He is a good player. But I want Liverpool to be as strong as possible and Gareth Barry will certainly make us stronger.

"You talk about improving the team, the starting eleven and the squad, and Gareth will certainly help Liverpool to become a better team. It is easy to play with good players. I've been asked a lot of questions this season about Fernando Torres and the simple answer is 'it's easier playing with quality players' - and Gareth comes into that category."

Gerrard continued: "I am sure Gareth will find it hard to leave Villa. He has been fantastic for them but, in football, sometimes opportunities come along where you can better your career. I think Gareth is 27 now and he needs to play Champions League football. In my opinion, he needs that now."