Aston Villa want Gareth Barry back - but only if they are promoted to Premier League

Aston Villa will try to bring Gareth Barry back to the club if they are promoted.

Barry, 37, is the leading all-time Premier League appearance holder with 653 games.

The left-footed midfielder, currently sidelined after a knee op, wants to play on in the top-flight if bottom club West Brom are relegated.

He has a clause enabling him to quit The Hawthorns if the bottom club drop into the Championship.

And Mirror Sport understands Villa will look to bring in the former England international if they go up.

Barry has put his Cheshire mansion up for sale for £4.5million and wants to relocate permanently back to the Midlands.

Villa are potentially willing to include coaching opportunities too if Barry is interested.

Barry made his name at Villa Park from 1997–2009 before leaving for Man City where he won the title in 2012.

He then moved to Everton where he was player of the year as recently as 2016 and was a contender for Albion's award this term until being one of four senior stars to break a curfew in February in Spain when they allegedly stole a taxi.