Gerrard eyes Barry signing

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has called on the club to complete the signing of fellow England international midfielder Gareth Barry from Aston Villa this summer. Gerrard is hoping that Liverpool are adventurous in the transfer market to help them push on to Premiership success.

Gerrard 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.

"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.

"I know all about Gareth, I am good friends with him off the pitch and I am desperate for us to sign him.

"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."