 Barry has been at Villa since 1997
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Aston Villa owner Randy Lerner says he is "optimistic" midfielder Gareth Barry will stay at the club after offering the England international a new deal.
Barry, 28, almost joined Liverpool last summer before the deal collapsed after the Anfield club failed to meet the £18m asking price.
"We have discussed a new contract with Gareth," said American Lerner.
"I would give Barry the highest ranking possible. He's the best - a gentleman, a great player, leader and captain."
Speculation was rife before the start of the season that Barry, who had stated his desire to join Rafa Benitez's side, was set to sign for the Reds.
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606: DEBATE
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But after Liverpool failed to match Villa's asking fee, which resulted in Benitez criticising Reds co-owner Tom Hicks, Barry changed his mind, to the delight of Lerner.
"I don't think anyone could do better than Gareth on any level," said the Villa owner.
"Am I optimistic Gareth will stay? Yes, I am optimistic. It is my nature.
"He is currently really speaking to (manager) Martin O'Neill and that is the natural process. They will get into it and it will all get handled in the normal ways."
Lerner added that he was willing to run down the midfielder's current deal, which has 12 months left, if Barry does not sign a new contract.
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You are talking about a player who is an integral part of your potential success
Lerner on Barry
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That would mean Barry could leave at the end of next season without Villa receiving a transfer fee.
"Am I happy for him to wind down his current contract? That's his decision. If it means he is staying another year, I am absolutely happy," said Lerner.
"Even though Villa would lose £10 to £12m? Yes, absolutely. You are talking about a player who is an integral part of your potential success.
"That is in terms of playing more games, to winning competitions etc. That is similarly lucrative to a transfer fee this summer when you think about what you can achieve with a player like that.
"It is not like you forego the proceeds and you are getting nothing back."
The American, who took control of Villa in 2006, said he was also confident that manager O'Neill would remain at the Birmingham club for the foreseeable future, even though he continues to operate on a 12-month rolling contract.
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