Gerrard wants Barry at Anfield

"I'm good friends with Gareth off the pitch and I'm desperate for us to sign him," said the Liverpool skipper. "He's a good player and, when you talk about strengthening the team and the squad, Gareth would certainly help Liverpool be a better team next season.

"He's been a fantastic servant for Aston Villa but, in football, sometimes opportunities come along where you can better your career. Gareth is 27 now and I think he needs to be playing Champions League football. In my opinion he can do that."