Gabby thinks Barry will stay

Aston Villa forward Gabriel Agbonlahor thinks that Gareth Barry will stay at the club, despite the interest of Liverpool. Rafa Benitez has reportedly made an offer of £12 million for the midfielder, which Villa have considered derisory.

"It's important to keep Gareth but it's important to keep a number of players," said Agbonlahor.

"The gaffer knows how key Barry has been to us this season but you can't stop what can happen so hopefully he will stay because it's important.

"Gareth has improved as well. He has been on top form for the last two seasons and, if he can stay, it will be a plus for us.

"Breaking into the top four in the next few years is what we want. We know it's going to be hard but, if we get the right squad, then we're capable of doing anything we want to do. Hopefully we can push on next season.

"Villa is where I enjoy my football. I'm getting chances in the first team. It's difficult to imagine I could have the same improvement anywhere else.

"I have to give the gaffer credit for it because it's only since he's been here that I've made those improvements. Hopefully I can stay in the team and carry on improving.

"It's just what the gaffer can do and why he's rated so highly because people have come in and played their best football in the last two seasons."