Villa confident on Barry stay

Aston Villa's American owner Randy Lerner remains confident that his club can fend off interest in England midfielder Gareth Barry this summer.

The 28-year-old is about to enter the final year of his current deal at Villa Park, with Liverpool, Tottenham and Arsenal all rumoured to be showing an interest.

The Reds would be able to offer Champions League football which eluded Villa, as their bid for a top-four finish stalled in the closing weeks of the Premier League campaign.

An upbeat Lerner said: "We have discussed a new contract with Gareth. Am I optimistic Gareth will stay? Yes, I am optimistic. It is my nature.

"He is currently speaking to (manager) Martin O'Neill and that is the natural process. They will get into it and it will all get handled in the normal ways.

"Am I happy for him to wind down his current contract? That's his decision. If it means he is staying another year, I am absolutely happy.