O'Neill desperate to stave off suitors

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O'Neill is prepared to consider offering bumper pay rises to the likes of Barry, a target for Liverpool and Chelsea, Ashley Young and Gabriel Agbonlahor as a reward for their contributions this season.

The former Celtic boss said: "As manager of the club I will sit down with the chairman (Randy Lerner) and we are going to do our best to keep hold of the players. Gareth Barry obviously comes into that category."

He added: "He is our captain, one of our top players and in the England side on merit after an outstanding season."

Barry is believed to be on just over £40,000 a week and would receive considerably more if he made the move to Anfield or Stamford Bridge.

O'Neill is "desperate" to hold on to Barry and his other star performers as Villa look to build on a season of high promise which sees them challenging strongly for a UEFA Cup spot.

The Villa boss added: "We're in the business of professional football, trying to achieve as much as we possibly can, and knowing your competitors are putting high stakes on things.

"If players are doing well, and are deserving of new contracts or renegotiated deals, I have not got a problem with that.

"If someone is worth something here, and you reward him by putting him above or alongside his peers, I have also not got a problem with that."

Barry, who has two years left of his current deal, concedes he has been well paid during his decade at Villa and he will qualify for a testimonial match this summer.