Reliable journalist delivers emphatic update on Everton midfielder amid PL club interest
By Russell Edge
Everton boss Ronald Koeman will not allow midfielder Gareth Barry to depart the club this summer, according to a reliable journalist.
Dominic King, the north west football reporter for the Daily Mail, claims on his personal Twitter account that despite interest from West Brom, the 36-year-old will remain at Goodison Park:
Barry, who joined the club from Manchester City back in 2014, played a key role in the middle of the park for the Toffees last season, making 34 appearances across all competitions, scoring twice.
He has turned out a total of 154 times for the Merseyside club, and looks set to break a top flight record next season.
The midfielder sits second on the list of most Premier League appearances with 628, and is likely to break the record currently held by Ryan Giggs as he lies just four behind the Manchester United icon’s 632 outings.
Barry also has 53 caps for England, although the last of his international outings came back in 2012.
Football Insider verdict
Keeping Barry at the club seems like a smart move from Koeman, as his experience in the top flight will prove to be invaluable to push Everton up the table. His 33 appearances last season proves he still has what it takes, and despite more competition through new signings and players recovering from injury, the 36-year-old will still be fighting a first team place. Barry is likely seen as a leader by Koeman and someone the manager can rely on, and having that consistency in the team is crucial to maintaining form and bringing the best out his side. Plus, with Europa League football lined up for Everton this season, the Dutch boss is going to need a deep squad, and letting players who are still good enough would be counter-productive.
In other Everton transfer news, a Premier League rival is lining up a bid for this £25million-rated outcast.
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