Roberto Martinez wants to add Gareth Barry to his squad at Everton.
The England international has been at Manchester City since the summer of 2009, when they paid £12million for his signature. At the time Aston Villa fans were unhappy with the decision of the player to make the move, but he has been more than justified after helping the Blues win the FA Cup in 2011 and the Premier League the following year.
Barry has clocked up over 160 appearances for the Etihad Stadium club in all competitions, but he has lost his place under new coach Manuel Pellegrini. The Chilean prefers £30million summer recruit Fernandinho, the Brazil international formerly of Shakhtar Donetsk, and he is now prepared to let the 32-year-old leave Manchester.
According to the Daily Telegraph, Martinez has set his sights on luring Barry to Goodison Park, but is relying on City contributing to his salary of £100,000-per-week. This would allow the Toffees to take the midfielder, who can also play in defence, on loan for the remainder of the season, at the end of which he would be a free agent.
It has also been suggested that Arsene Wenger, the Arsenal coach, is also keeping an eye on developments. The Gunners boss has come under increasing pressure this summer for failing to add to his squad at the Emirates Stadium, and whilst fans would hardly gather outside the stadium to greet the arrival of Barry, he would be a trusted addition.
