Everton: Gareth Barry attracting attention from West Bromwich Albion
By Paul Taylor
West Bromwich Albion are reportedly interested in Gareth Barry, but Everton are reluctant to sell the midfielder, at least at this stage.
Speaking to the Echo‘s Chris Beesley on Thursday, Gareth Barry said the current Everton squad is the strongest he’s known since joining the club. In particular, he is impressed with the depth of the team.
However, it’s possible Barry won’t be around long enough, to see how the squad performs this season. A recent report by the Daily Mail, indicated he was attracting interest from West Bromwich Albion and Burnley.
Since then, the Baggies have emerged as the favourites to sign the 36-year old. However, as per an updated report from the Daily Mail‘s Simon Jones, Ronald Koeman is reluctant to let the defensive midfielder leave.
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This is understandable, given Barry’s experience, durability and leadership. Since first joining the Toffees on loan in September 2013, he has averaged nearly 40 games per season.
Despite Koeman’s reluctance to see the Hastings-born player go, this doesn’t mean it won’t happen. While we could be reading too much into this, Jones writes the Blues don’t want him to join West Bromwich Albion just yet.
This could theoretically indicate Koeman wants to find a replacement first, before Barry leaves. As for the player himself, you imagine he would prefer to remain with the Toffees, as they prepare for their most anticipated season in many years.
As a final note, the former England international is set to break Ryan Giggs’ Premier League appearance record this coming season. Barry only needs five games to set the new record and it would be good to see him doing it, while wearing an Everton shirt.
Next: The plot thickens with Ross Barkley
Put yourself in Koeman’s shoes – would you be prepared to let Barry leave or not, and why? Further, what has been your highlight or highlights of the midfielder’s time on Merseyside? Share your thoughts in the comments section.