Villa boss Martin O'Neill has been at loggerheads with Rafael Benitez over the Reds' interest in Barry, who has been linked with a £10m summer move to Anfield.

And O'Neill is refusing to give up Barry without a fight after watching his club captain fire Villa's second goal in the 2-2 draw with West Ham.

He said: "We want to do our utmost to keep Gareth because he's so important to us and is back to his brilliant best.

"It's interesting and ironic that apparently there was an offer from an Italian club for Steven Gerrard yet Liverpool were quick to remind everyone that he is under contract.

"Gareth has two years left on his contract and we want him to stay. The chairman will talk to him to show how much we value him.

"I will not be made to feel under pressure by other clubs because they want one of our players. We're going to talk it through with Gareth.

"I can't understand why Gareth would want to leave. He's only 27 and has been brilliant for us.

"He has been selected for England and has played regularly for them because of his exploits with Villa.

"In terms of him playing in the Champions League, we can guarantee him that within the next 23 years!"

Barry and Ashley Young were on target for Villa at Upton Park but their efforts were not enough to secure fifth spot

Villa's last-ditch push to secure a UEFA Cup place failed as they concluded their season.

Barry appeared to have fired a second-half winner when he expertly finished a move he started.

But Hammers striker Dean Ashton struck a late equaliser to earn West Ham side a point they scarcely deserved.

But ultimately Villa's efforts to secure European qualification were rendered meaningless by Everton's victory over Newcastle which took the matter out of their hands.