Report explains how Aston Villa aim to tempt Gareth Barry back

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Gareth Barry will leave West Brom when their Premier League relegation is confirmed and could join Aston Villa if they are promoted from the Championship.

Eight years after controversially leaving for Manchester City, former Aston Villa captain Gareth Barry has been linked with a shock return to the Midland giants.

The Mirror (live transfer blog, 3.58pm) reports that Barry has a clause in his contract that will allow him to leave West Brom at the end of this season when the Baggies’ relegation is confirmed.

And the 37-year-old, who this season became the Premier League’s all-time appearance maker, has no interest in bringing an end to his lengthy career at the top table.

It is understood that Barry wants to play top flight football next season, and Aston Villa will offer him that should Steve Bruce’s side navigate the play-offs and seal a return to the promised land after two seasons in the Championship.

And the Birmingham Mail is now reporting that Villa have a plan to sweeten the deal. They will offer Barry a future coaching role at the club in order to prepare the former England international for life after his playing career.

Barry told talkSPORT back in January that he does not yet have his coaching badges, however, believing that he has another season in him at Premier League level.

The veteran midfielder started his professional career with Villa back in 1997 and made 441 appearances for the club before spells at City, Everton and West Brom.