Everton midfielder Gareth Barry has been linked with a move to West Bromwich Albion this summer.
One of the main narratives of the summer for West Brom has been who Tony Pulis will be able to bring in to replace Darren Fletcher after the midfielder’s surprise departure for Premier League rivals Stoke City.
The latest name to be linked with a switch is Everton’s Gareth Barry, with the Daily Mail reporting that the Baggies are rivalling Burnley for the veteran’s signature.
Everton’s Gareth Barry
Although many West Brom fans may be underwhelmed by the news of the club’s interest in the 36-year-old, it could be argued that the former England international has the potential to be a very astute signing.
Barry may be into the twilight of his career, but with well over 600 Premier League appearances under his belt, he would undoubtedly add the kind of experience that the side have lost with Fletcher’s departure.
And while some will be doubting whether he will still be capable of making a decent impact if he did arrive at the Hawthorns, there have been a number of examples of ageing midfielders proving to be hugely influential after moving clubs when many have written them off due to their age – most notably perhaps, Gary McAllister at Liverpool around the turn of the Millennium.
Of course, with an ageing squad already, targeting Barry appears to be an odd move from Pulis, and the veteran will have a lot to prove – but if Everton are willing to sanction a deal that involves an extremely low fee, then surely West Brom could have potentially landed a very good replacement for their former skipper – in the short-term at least.
West Brom manager Tony Pulis
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