Martin O’Neill will adopt a ‘wait and see’ policy with Gareth Barry before opening contract talks with the midfielder.

O’Neill still refuses to rule out the possibility of £18million rated Barry, who has two years remaining on his current deal, leaving Villa Park.

If the 27-year-old stays beyond next Monday’s transfer deadline, the Ulsterman hopes to persuade the England international to pen a lucrative new four-year contract worth £70,000-a-week, as well as a rearranged testimonial.

It could also include an escape clause, enabling Barry to leave should Villa fail to match his ambitions this season.

O’Neill said: “We’ll see what develops. It’s been a long period of time and I genuinely thought it would have resolved itself long, long before now.

“It hasn’t happened. If Gareth is our player for the foreseeable future, then that is something that would be delightful for all of us.”

O’Neill also revealed Carlos Cuellar has stepped up his rehabilitation from a calf injury. They are continuing to adopt a softly, softly approach with fellow calf injury victim Steve Sidwell.

O’Neill said: “Carlos has done some training with us. Steve Sidwell is getting there. He wants to come out and train but we are just holding him back a bit.

“Carlos should have done a fair amount by the end of the week and we will see where Steve is.”