Olof Mellberg believes Gareth Barry could hold the key to Villa's top-four ambitions over the next few years.

The Swedish international signed-off his Villa career at West Ham on Sunday and heads for Juventus this summer.

But he will be keeping a close eye on events at Villa Park and hopes Villa can fend off interest in Barry from Liverpool.

Mellberg said: "It's a decision to be made by Gareth and the club. They will meet and discuss it over the next few weeks. We'll see what happens. Gareth is very important to Villa - he's been a key player for us for many seasons now."

Villa's top-six finish matched the best season in Mellberg's seven years at the club. Now the Swede would love to see Martin O'Neill's men take the next big step.

He added: "It will be difficult to break into the big four. At the moment Villa are trying to establish themselves just behind the big four.

"That is not easy because a lot of sides are in the chasing pack and are competing for those positions.

"If we can establish ourselves for a couple of seasons just outside those Champions League places then maybe we can push into the top four.

"I know the club wants to keep their best players and they will have to if they are to ever challenge the top teams. To achieve their ambition they have to keep the squad together and add a few more players."