Midfielder move in balance

Martin O'Neill says he is unsure what the future holds for Gareth Barry but insists Aston Villa are in no rush to cash in.

The midfielder saw an £18million move to Liverpool collapse in the summer, while Arsenal also made an enquiry for him, but there have been suggestions both clubs will try and resurrect a deal when the transfer window opens in January.

However, Villa's American owner Randy Lerner is in no rush to sell and could even let the player's contract run down rather than take the cash either in January or the summer.

Villa will try and tie him down to a new deal but if Barry refuses to sign then the club could make him see out the remaining 18 months of his current one at Villa Park.

"I don't think Mr Lerner is overly concerned about losing the money if it means retaining the services of a really top-class player for that extra year," O'Neill revealed.

"I have absolutely no idea what might happen in January."