Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry left the England camp today to start talks with Manchester City about a move to Eastlands.

Barry, 28, was linked with Liverpool last summer but the Anfield club could not meet Villa's £18million asking price.

The midfielder has been offered a lucrative new deal to remain at Villa Park beyond the end of next season — when his contract expires.

Villa reached next season's Europa Cup by ending the 2008-09 Premier League season in fifth, four spots above City.

Barry will join up with the rest of the England squad to fly out to Kazakhstan tomorrow morning for Saturday's World Cup qualifier.

One player still struggling to make the long trip is Rio Ferdinand, who sat out training yesterday because of a long-standing calf injury. If he fails to make it, Joleon Lescott could come in and play alongside Chelsea's John Terry.

Lescott, who had to watch as Terry lifted the FA Cup after beating his Everton side last Saturday, said: “I'm sure if there needs to be, John will pass on his advice. Anything I need to know about football, he's always there and lending a helping hand. If Rio and JT are fit they are the permanent choices, but along with everyone else I would like to think I am in contention.”

Meanwhile, England striker Peter Crouch believes Robert Green will show he has the quality to compete on the international stage, with the goalkeeper poised to start his first game under Fabio Capello in Kazakhstan.

The West Ham goalkeeper has been forced to wait for his opportunity but has the ideal chance to impress Capello as first-choice David James is ruled out with a shoulder injury.

Portsmouth striker Crouch said: “With David being injured has given other keepers an opportunity and Robert Green is a fantastic understudy. It's been difficult for him to get into the England set-up but if given the chance I don't think he'll let anyone down.”