But Barry would be assured of regular first-team football at Eastlands - a crucial factor in the build-up to the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa, assuming England qualify.

And he is expected to play in his favoured central midfield position alongside Stephen Ireland.

Barry made 440 appearances for Villa, scoring 52 goals, after making his debut against Sheffield Wednesday in May 1998.

Meanwhile, O’Neill has given assurances to midfielders Steve Sidwell and Nigel Reo-Coker that they will be part of his plans next season.

The duo only made limited contributions during the 2008-2009 campaign.

Sidwell was dogged by injury problems after his £5 million move from Chelsea while Reo-Coker seldom played in midfield and was used as a makeshift right-back on several occasions.

end

2 SOCCER Villa Nightlead

(reopens)

It is understood Barry was having a medical this afternoon, probably close to England’s headquarters.

He is due to fly out to Kazakhstan tomorrow ahead of the World Cup qualifier on Saturday.

Barry’s move to City could be completed before then, perhaps as early as tonight.