John Gregory believes Villa must qualify for Europe if they are to have any chance of keeping Gareth Barry.

Barry has been the subject of a £10m offer from Liverpool, who seem certain to come back with an improved bid.

Villa are desperate to keep their captain, but Gregory, who was at today’s clash against Wigan, reckons they could be fighting a losing battle if they fail to reach Europe.

Martin O’Neill’s side are three points off fifth-placed Everton with two games left.

“If Liverpool come back in for him, it will be hard to turn them down,” said Gregory, who gave Barry his debut 10 years ago yesterday. “Gareth has done it and got the T-shirt in 10 years at Villa – he’s even got his own DVD – but the one thing he hasn’t got are those special European nights that Liverpool seem to be involved in every season.
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Read more in the Express & StarJohn Gregory believes Villa must qualify for Europe if they are to have any chance of keeping Gareth Barry.

Barry has been the subject of a £10m offer from Liverpool, who seem certain to come back with an improved bid.

Villa are desperate to keep their captain, but Gregory, who was at today’s clash against Wigan, reckons they could be fighting a losing battle if they fail to reach Europe.

Martin O’Neill’s side are three points off fifth-placed Everton with two games left.

“If Liverpool come back in for him, it will be hard to turn them down,” said Gregory, who gave Barry his debut 10 years ago yesterday. “Gareth has done it and got the T-shirt in 10 years at Villa – he’s even got his own DVD – but the one thing he hasn’t got are those special European nights that Liverpool seem to be involved in every season.”It might be that that tempts him. He’s 27 and a one-club man and he might want to try something different. “If Villa were in the UEFA Cup, they would have something else to offer him.[poll=112]

“They could say, we’re going to pay you more, give you a five-year contract, a testimonial, and we’re signing this player and that player, plus we’re in the UEFA Cup, and just that little boost of being in Europe is a big thing for a player.

“He hasn’t really had that and that might just tempt him to stay. But if Villa aren’t in Europe, it’s going to be hard. It’s the Champions League final in Moscow in a couple of weeks and a lot of players involved are English and are pals.”