Steven Gerrard says Liverpool must sign Gareth Barry

Steven Gerrard last night claimed he is "desperate" for Liverpool to sign Gareth Barry as part of a big-spending summer at Anfield.

In a move certain to infuriate Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill, Liverpool captain Gerrard said Barry should move to Merseyside to further his career by playing regular Champions League football.

Gerrard, in Trinidad ahead of tomorrow's England friendly, made it clear that he is fed up with Liverpool being title also-rans and said the midfielder can turn them into genuine challengers.

"I know all about Gareth. I'm good friends with him off the pitch and I'm desperate for us to sign him," Gerrard said. "He's a good player and would certainly help Liverpool be a better team next season. It's easy to play with good players. I've been asked a lot of questions about Fernando Torres and the simple answer is that the game is a lot easier when you're playing with quality players. Gareth comes into that category.

"He's been a fantastic servant to Villa but Gareth is 27 or 28 now and he needs to play Champions League football."

Villa boss O'Neill is already furious with Liverpool chief Rafa Benitez for going public on Liverpool's bid to sign Barry, and dumped Patrik Berger after the Czech star said that going to Anfield was "the opportunity of a lifetime."

Gerrard spelled out a strong message to Liverpool that they need to spend big after another season without a trophy.

"Chelsea, United and Arsenal...every time I put the news on or read a paper they're linked with all kinds of players so I hope Liverpool strengthen and push them for the title because we're still a little bit off," he said.

Barry has been kept in the dark about his captaincy prospects against Trinidad. The other contenders are Gerrard, Rio Ferdinand, David James and former captain David Beckham.