Barry staying

Last updated : 28 August 2008 By Tom Vickers
Gareth Barry will not be leaving Villa before the end of the transfer window, according to his agent.
The England midfielder, who has been the subject of the longest drawn out transfer saga of summer, now turns his attention to the Claret and Blue's vital fixture against Liverpool on Sunday.
Barry could well have been playing against Villa this weekend, but after rejected bids, a public plea, and a loss of his captaincy, he must convince fans that it's all behind him.
If Martin O'Neill's men are to succeed this season, both in Europe and in Domestic action, Barry will need to be in the right mindset.
The fear for fans of the Villa is that he is simply biding his time until the end of the season when he can hold the club to ransom.
The former Brighton man only has two years left on his contract and would be able to leave for a cut price fee next summer.

Talisman

Significantly, Barry's agent, Alex Black, said that his client would not enter into contract talks until the end of the season.
That could mean he merely wants to focus on the present or it could mean that he is planning ahead.
By not putting pen to paper, Barry is foregoing a huge windfall of around £30,000 a week for each week of the season.
And that may mean he still has his sights firmly set on a dream move to Anfield.
Barry will know that if Liverpool are to retain interest he must impress all over again.
Whether he leaves at the end of the season is now irrelevant and Villa will now be focused on getting the best from their talisman.
For club and country, the dynamic 27 year old is vital. Let's just hope it stays that way.