Gareth Barry's agent today said the Aston Villa midfielder would not be leaving Villa Park this summer, seemingly ending one of the transfer window's most drawn-out sagas.

"After much speculation I can confirm that Gareth Barry will not leave Aston Villa before the transfer window closes," said a statement released by Alex Black, who represents Barry. "Gareth made the decision to stay two weeks ago and informed Aston Villa of his intentions."

The Villa captain has been linked with a move to Liverpool all summer, with a fee of £18m mentioned, but the manager of the Midlands club, Martin O'Neill, has frequently stated his reluctance to sell. Barry has reportedly handed in, and then withdrawn, a transfer request and was singled out for both boos and cheers from his own fans during pre-season.

His performances, most notably in England's limp draw with the Czech Republic, have been below par with England manager Fabio Capello suggesting that the player was unsettled by the continuing speculation. But he has now committed his immediate future to the club that has employed him since he was a 17-year-old trainee.

"Any talks regarding potential new contracts at Aston Villa will not take place until the end of the season," said Black. "Gareth wants to concentrate on playing to the best of his ability for Aston Villa, and we hope this draws a line under the matter."

Summer signing Nicky Shorey has been ruled out of tomorrow's Uefa Cup second qualifying round second-leg tie against Iceland's FH Hafnarfjordur at Villa Park. The left-back suffered a slight medial knee ligament injury during Saturday's 3-2 defeat at Stoke, but he is expected to be fit for Sunday's Premier League game against Liverpool.

Portsmouth have confirmed that Niko Kranjcar has undergone ankle surgery, which is expected to keep him sidelined for eight to 12 weeks. The 24-year-old midfielder will wear a cast for at least three weeks after rupturing his ankle ligament while playing for Croatia.