Villa chairman Randy Lerner has revealed he is ‘optimistic’ midfielder Gareth Barry will still be at the club next season.

Big question marks again hang over where the England star will be playing his football next season, with Liverpool widely tipped to make a fresh bid for the player.

But Lerner has high hopes Barry will remain at Villa Park for the start of the new campaign.

The club owner said: “Am I optimistic? Yes, I am. We have discussed a new contract with him. Am I happy for him to wind down?

“I think that’s his decision but if it means he’s staying another year, then absolutely I’m happy.

“I would give Gareth Barry the highest ranking you could give. He’s the best. He’s a gentleman, he’s a great player. He’s a pleasure to be around. He’s a leader and a captain.

“I am prepared to do what is necessary to make sense for this club.”

The American billionaire, addressing the media for the first time in 18 months, is confident the club will be able to keep hold of boss Martin O’Neill – even if a big club came in for him.

Lerner said: “His achievements have been superb. Am I confident he’ll stay long term? Yes I am. I think Martin has bought into the club, I think he’s emotionally invested.

“Are we both comfortable with the rolling contract? Yes.”

The 47-year-old revealed he does not expect the credit crunch to affect O’Neill’s transfer war chest for this summer.

Lerner said: “I don’t really view the credit crunch as a big driver of the funding for the summer.

“I think that if anything what’s gone on in the economy, the impact is that it makes you very conscious of building a sustainable business.”

Lerner insists he is also satisfied with Villa’s sixth-placed finish in the Premier League and backed O’Neill over his decision to leave eight-first team players at home for the UEFA Cup clash at CSKA Moscow.

The chairman said: “Martin absolutely had my backing. It’s his job to make those decisions. Behind all the achievements of the club are his calculations.

“I’m very happy with what we’ve achieved.  I wouldn’t say I was disappointed not to reach the Champions League.

“Has it surprised me the way the season tailed off? No.”