Villa line up new Barry deal

Gareth Barry will be offered an improved contract by Aston Villa manger Martin O'Neill this summer — to keep him out of Chelsea's clutches.

England midfielder Barry has been the subject of speculation linking him with a move to Stamford Bridge should Frank Lampard decide to pay up the last year of his deal and leave Chelsea.

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O'Neill is preparing to offer Barry, 27, another long-term deal to safeguard his future. Others crucial to the Villa's development, such as PFA Young Player of the Year nominees Ashley Young and Gabriel Agbonlahor, are also likely to be approached.

Barry was courted by O'Neill when he took over at Villa Park two seasons ago. O'Neill talked him out of a move, granting him a fresh four-year contract — and now the long-serving midfielder is set to be rewarded again.

O'Neill said: "I'm not surprised that teams would be interested in a very, very talented player. I understand the speculation. The way people are taking in what's going on at Chelsea, it is perfectly reasonable to assume that they would be looking at someone like Gareth.

"Largely, he's been terrific for us. He's playing for England. All credit to him. But the whole point about us at Aston Villa is that we are not considered to be one of the top four.

"There are two aspects to how we improve if we want to get there. The first is that we bring in better quality players than we already have. The second is to keep hold of our better players.

"Gareth has a testimonial coming up. That's a major achievement for him and a special moment."