Aston Villa players have joined forces in spelling out the importance of skipper Gareth Barry remaining with the midlands club.
Barry, who has just over two years left of his current contract, is being linked with summer moves to Chelsea and Liverpool after an outstanding season which has seen him become an England regular.
Fabio Capello saw the midfielder produce another fine performance during Sunday’s 5-1 demolition of local rivals Birmingham City at Villa Park.
Barry, 27, wants to see what Villa manager Martin O'Neill's transfer plans are for the 2008-2009 campaign before making any final decision on his future.
But team-mates such as Scott Carson, Zat Knight, Juventus-bound Olof Mellberg and John Carew are aware how crucial Barry is to Villa's hopes of eventually challenging the top four.
Goalkeeper Carson said: ‘It is massive that Gareth stays. He is the captain here and a vital part of the manager's plans.
‘I would say he is the centre point of the team and the most consistent player at Villa.
‘If he went, it would be a massive blow. He is the heartbeat of the team.
‘Gareth is one of the most consistent players in England and never seems to have a bad game so to lose a player like that would be hard to find a replacement for.’
Defender Knight said: ‘It shows where Villa want go when the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea come in for Gareth and yet he still wants to see what is going to happen here.
‘We are trying to build something special here over the next couple of years and hopefully he can be part of it. We need Gareth to stay because he has got that bit of class.
‘We are just pleased to have him at the moment and hopefully we can keep him.’
Mellberg, who will leave Villa after a seven-year spell this summer, said: ‘I don't know what is in
Gareth's mind. I don't want to compare my situation to his.
‘But I see a bright future here for Villa now. They want to qualify for Europe and then build on that, establish ourselves up there. That is obviously the goal for the club right now.’
Carew, whose two goals against Blues took his tally for the season to 12, said: ‘I can't really say about Gareth and his situation. I just hope he stays and he is one of our most important players.
‘What will happen, or not happen, is difficult to say. I think he will stay. He is our captain, he is the symbol of the club. I think he will stay but let's wait and see.’
Villa can move ahead of Everton on goal difference in the battle for fifth spot and a UEFA Cup place if they win at Goodison Park on Sunday.
