Milner fears Barry exit

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Barry looked set to join Liverpool last summer only for the Reds to be unable to match Villa's £18million valuation of the player.

But Milner hopes Villa can retain all their star players, saying: "I am sure there are clubs going to come in for a few of our players this year but that is what happens when you have quality at the club - but hopefully we can keep the squad and maybe add to it and go again next year. We will see what happens but hopefully that is the case."

He added: "Keeping Gareth or not is not down to me. I just come in and play football. That will be decided by the manager and obviously Gareth and his agent."

He added: "But Gareth is obviously going to be a wanted man because he is a top-class player and that's what happens when you are playing for a big football club."

Club record signing Milner is a massive admirer of Barry who has spent 12 years at Villa and clocked up more than 400 appearances.

He said: "Gareth is massive, a top-class player, and you are seeing that now when he is playing for England as well.

"He has got in there, he is staying in there, and is on that teamsheet everytime.

"You don't realise how good he is until you watch him every week as a fan or you play with him, not just his ability on the ball but his work-rate as well. He does a lot of running for the team, going forward and tracking back, he gets stuck in.

"He has that ability and for the young players around him on the pitch but also in the dressing room, he is a leader. His attitude is excellent and he is very professional. When you have got a lot of young players around, he sets a good example."