Newcastle United are battling Everton for Benfica midfielder Andreas Samaris, but the Toffees cannot afford to lose out if Gareth Barry heads for The Hawthorns.
At the age of 36, it is fair to say Gareth Barry is not getting any younger. Yet the veteran midfielder, who is only one of three players to feature in more than 600 Premier League games, has shown few signs of slowing down.
He made 33 appearances in an Everton side renowned for their youthful energy and vigour last season so it would be a major surprise if Ronald Koeman decided to let him go.
Everton’s Gareth Barry
Yet, according to The Mirror, that will not discourage West Brom from making a move. The report claims that Baggies boss Tony Pulis sees Barry as the ideal man to fill the void left by the sudden departure of former skipper Darren Fletcher to Stoke City.
Furthermore, Pulis is reported to believe that Koeman will listen to offers. After all, he is hardly short of midfield options with Davy Klaassen joining Tom Davies, Idrissa Gana Gueye, Morgan Schneiderlin and James McCarthy at Goodison Park.
One of a kind?
However, none of the aforementioned quintet possess Barry’s all-too-rare ability to control the tempo from the base of midfield. An old-school ‘number six’, his distribution and composure in possession means he has remained an essential figure under Koeman.
Therefore, perhaps Everton should only consider making a move if they have a replacement lined up. Though, according to A Bola, they may have identified Greek international midfielder Andreas Samaris as the man to fill Barry’s boots.
The report claims that Everton have had an opening offer of £12.5 million rejected by Benfica, who value Samaris at £5 million more.
Samaris has won the Primera Liga title in each of his three seasons at Benfica
Although Everton will have to act fast as O Jogo claim that Newcastle United are ready to meet the Portuguese giants’ valuation.
With a pass completion rate just shy of 90 per cent, however, Samaris appears the ideal Barry Mk 2. Therefore, with West Brom sniffing around, this is the perfect time to ramp up their pursuit.
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