PL rivals set to swoop for Everton midfielder after Sigurdsson deal close – report
By Abigail Withey
Everton mainstay Gareth Barry is set to be offered a two-year-deal from West Bromwich Albion, according to a recent report.
The Mail claims that West Brom boss Tony Pulis is keen to recruit the 36-year-old midfielder in place of former Baggies playmaker Darren Fletcher who was signed by Stoke City during the current transfer window.
The newspaper has reported on their website that Pulis has revived his offer to sign the former England international and will offer him a contract which will see him at the club until 2019.
It is understood that manager Ronald Koeman is fond of the former Manchester City star and can clearly see that the defensive midfielder is keen for regular playing time which may not be possible next season.
The report states that with Gylfi Sigurdsson’s deal from Swansea City close to being completed, there will be even more competition for midfield roles during the upcoming campaign.
Barry moved to Goodison Park from Man City back in 2014 following a season-long loan with the Toffees and has since become a mainstay player within the squad.
The 36-year-old has scored five goals and provided 12 assists for the Merseyside club during his 155 appearances across all competitions.
Football Insider verdict
This transfer inevitably asks the question: who will Gareth Barry end his football career with? He must decide whether to stay at Goodison Park with the potential of being regularly sidelined, or move to the midlands to play regular first team football until he retires. Both choices are appealing, and it may be better in terms of business if Koeman lets the 36-year-old go now. The Toffees boss has plenty of options and a number of new faces to choose from when the season begins next weekend, and selling Barry would help recoup some of the funds he spend during his busy transfer window activity. There is such a thing as too much choice, and if Sigurdsson joined the club then Koeman could see himself faced with that problem.
In other Everton transfer news, a Premier League side have expressed their interest in signing this Toffees striker.
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