Premier League rivals West Brom have identified Gareth Barry as the man to replace departed star Darren Fletcher this summer, according to the Mirror.
The news outlet has detailed that the 36-year-old Everton man is seen by Tony Pulis as the person who can fill the breach left by Fletcher both on the pitch and in the dressing room.
It is also said that the Baggies boss himself believes that Ronald Koeman will consider offers for Barry, despite the one-time Premier League winner playing in 33 of the Toffees’ 38 Premier League matches in the last campaign.
The experienced midfielder joined Everton on an initial loan deal back in 2013 before signing permanently from Manchester City the following year after the expiration of his contract at the club.
He has since gone on to play 154 times for the Blues, scoring five goals while also providing 12 assists.
However, the league stalwart has entered the final year of his contract on Merseyside, while he is also now competing with Morgan Schneiderlin, Idrissa Gueye, Tom Davies, James McCarthy and the returning Muhamed Besic for a starting place in the centre of Everton’s midfield.
This could then lead him to making the move across to the Midlands, where he could be afforded more pitch time under Pulis.