If Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry decides to leave the club in summer, manager Martin O’Neill will not stand in his way.
The England international has been linked with Liverpool for months but opted to stay at Villa Park where he has helped his side to a current top four standing in the league.
O’Neill is hoping that the form of the team this season will persuade Barry to stay but he will understand if a move does happen.
"Gareth is here until the end of the season. He was true to his word that he would stay in January," the Villa chief told the News of the World.
"If we keep the momentum going, who knows? But if we don't qualify for Europe this season then things will be in the balance.
"The point I accept is that having given this season, which was what I wanted in the first place, I don't think anyone would begrudge him the opportunity to move having spent that time here.
"It was this season I was asking for. If he continues to play in the fashion he is doing, he is in every bit as good a position as he was at the end of last season."
