The Daily Mail, which was among those to report an Everton interest in bringing Christian Benteke back to Merseyside, has also claimed Gareth Barry is wanted at rival Premier League clubs.
With West Brom looking for an experienced head in midfielder following the loss of captain Darren Fletcher to Stoke it has been suggested former Aston Villa and Manchester City man Barry, 36, could be an ideal replacement.
Last season Barry didn’t command the regular starting berth, week-in-week-out, he previously had and the new recruits Ronald Koeman has made this summer mean the former England midfielder could find himself mainly among the substitutes in the upcoming campaign.
That isn’t to say Koeman would sell Barry, the boss sees him ‘as a role model for younger players’ at Goodison Park, but the midfielder could be open to a transfer in order to gain regular football.
A two year contract could be offered to Barry at the Hawthorns if Koeman indicates the veteran can leave – Burnley have reportedly shown an interest too.
However, the key to ANY deal could be what happens with James McCarthy. The Republic of Ireland international is a player Everton are ‘willing to sell this window and his departure could dictate whether they allow Barry to leave also,’ reports the Mail.
Selfishly I’d keep him at Goodison but in order to get the football he’ll probably lack with the Blues I wouldn’t think too many would begrudge Barry, who has been a great servant to the English game, a Toffees exit.
