Former Villa and England manager Graham Taylor expects skipper Gareth Barry will still be at Villa Park next season.

Claret and blue boss Martin O’Neill has already confirmed he won’t stand in the way of his skipper, who has one year left on his current deal, leaving this summer if a top-four club come in for his services.

But Taylor remains sceptical and can see Barry penning the four-year deal worth £65,000 a week Villa are believed to be offering.

The former Wolves manager: “I’m not convinced Gareth will leave. What’s the point of Gareth going anywhere else unless it’s to a team guaranteeing Champions League football?

“But who knows whether Liverpool are going to come in for him again?

“I don’t think Manchester United or Chelsea will come in for him. You may find Gareth signing a new contract and staying.

“I think he will if Liverpool don’t come in for him.”

Taylor fears Barry might pay the price if he moves to a club with a rotation policy.

He said: “As much as Gareth wants Champions League football there’s only so many who can get it.

“You might go to Liverpool, get some Champions League football and lose your England place.”