OPINION
Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce must do everything in his power to sign Everton ace Gareth Barry this summer.
Barry, 36, plied his trade at Villa for 11 years between 1998 and 2009, and during that period he was arguably at the top of his game, his quality has since waned but he is still more than capable of doing a job in the Championship.
His contract at Goodison Park enters its final year this summer and, given that he was used sparingly by Toffees manager Ronald Koeman last term, it is likely he would be available for a cut-price fee.
Here are three reasons why Villa must re-sign Barry, including one that will tug at the heartstrings of the supporters: