LONDON // Olof Mellberg has watched Gareth Barry grow as a person and a footballer. Now he believes he has got a taste of the big time that could well result in a move to Liverpool or Arsenal.
Both clubs have targeted Barry, 27, following Aston Villa's admission that they will let him go - for the right price.
"I was there at the start of his career," said Mellberg, who was replaced by Barry as the Villa captain. "When I came there, he was a centre half under John Gregory. I watched him play one or two games before I came to the club and he has been everywhere in the team since then; left back, left and central midfield and he has done well in all positions.
"With the England call ups that has made a lot of him and improved him as a player, playing in these big games. That has given him a taste for more.
"It's difficult for me to know what he is feeling, but he has done well for quite a few seasons," he added.
Mellberg himself quit Villa this summer on a free transfer for Juventus, explaining that a new challenge and Champions League football were what he needed after six years in England. With 11 years under his belt at Villa Park, Barry is seeking the same.
Mellberg points out that Villa's ambition could be the key to keeping Barry.
Martin O'Neill's side are trying to close the gap on the top four and the Swedish central defender said: "You have to see where Villa are going and if they can build on last season. That is what he would be looking at. If he does stay, and becomes part of that, then it will be good for the club."
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COMPANY PROFILE
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Total funding: Self funded
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The Penguin
Starring: Colin Farrell, Cristin Milioti, Rhenzy Feliz
Creator: Lauren LeFranc
Rating: 4/5
The Perfect Couple
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Jack Reynor
Creator: Jenna Lamia
Rating: 3/5
The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre turbo
Power: 181hp
Torque: 230Nm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Starting price: Dh79,000
On sale: Now
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Greatest of All Time
Starring: Vijay, Sneha, Prashanth, Prabhu Deva, Mohan
Nepotism is the name of the game
Salman Khan’s father, Salim Khan, is one of Bollywood’s most legendary screenwriters. Through his partnership with co-writer Javed Akhtar, Salim is credited with having paved the path for the Indian film industry’s blockbuster format in the 1970s. Something his son now rules the roost of. More importantly, the Salim-Javed duo also created the persona of the “angry young man” for Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan in the 1970s, reflecting the angst of the average Indian. In choosing to be the ordinary man’s “hero” as opposed to a thespian in new Bollywood, Salman Khan remains tightly linked to his father’s oeuvre. Thanks dad.
Directed by: Craig Gillespie
Starring: Emma Stone, Emma Thompson, Joel Fry
4/5
The specs: 2017 Lotus Evora Sport 410
Price, base / as tested Dh395,000 / Dh420,000
Engine 3.5L V6
Transmission Six-speed manual
Power 410hp @ 7,000rpm
Torque 420Nm @ 3,500rpm
Fuel economy, combined 9.7L / 100km
A cheaper choice
Vanuatu: $130,000
Why on earth pick Vanuatu? Easy. The South Pacific country has no income tax, wealth tax, capital gains or inheritance tax. And in 2015, when it was hit by Cyclone Pam, it signed an agreement with the EU that gave it some serious passport power.
Cost: A minimum investment of $130,000 for a family of up to four, plus $25,000 in fees.
Criteria: Applicants must have a minimum net worth of $250,000. The process take six to eight weeks, after which the investor must travel to Vanuatu or Hong Kong to take the oath of allegiance. Citizenship and passport are normally provided on the same day.
Benefits: No tax, no restrictions on dual citizenship, no requirement to visit or reside to retain a passport. Visa-free access to 129 countries.
