Barry's future at Villa has been the subject of speculation (Getty)

Aston Villa captain Gareth Barry's departure from the club this summer is not inevitable, according to manager Martin O'Neill.

Liverpool and Arsenal have been linked with moves for the 27-year-old England midfielder but O'Neill told BBC WM there are reasons for Barry staying.

"He's a demi-god at Villa Park and has played for England at Villa.

"He's been particularly brilliant and our best chance of improving the squad is keeping our best players."

Barry's future has been the subject of a very public confrontation between O'Neill and Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez.

And O'Neill is far from happy with how the Anfield club conduct their transfer business.

"I find it ironic that Liverpool have gone to great lengths to tell an Italian team [Inter Milan] that Steven Gerrard still has a number of years on his contract and they don't want to do business.

"Maybe we should take a leaf out of their book and do the same."