The Blues have been linked with a £34 million transfer for Villarreal forward Thierno Barry
Marcelino Garcia Toral, and Villarreal's Thierno Mamadou Barry (Photo by Jose Miguel Fernandez/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Villarreal manager Marcelino is worried Thierno Barry could leave the club this summer. Everton are in talks with the Spanish club over a potential transfer.
The 22-year-old has emerged as a serious target for the Blues as they seek to solve their goalscoring problems. Last season, they were the lowest scorers in the Premier League outside the three relegated sides.
Barry scored 11 goals and notched four assists in La Liga last season, helping Villarreal qualify for the Champions League. He has also impressed at the European Under-21 Championships this summer for France.
The striker has a £34million release clause in his contract, a sum which Everton want to potentially pay less than to secure the player. Speaking to Futbol Fantasy via El Larguero (h/t Sport Witness), Marcelino admitted he was concerned the striker could leave.
"We're always concerned about the departure of important players, like we were talking about Alex (Baena) earlier," he said.
"I don't know how Barry's situation is, if his departure is close; the last information I had wasn’t sure if it could happen. But anyway, if that happens, just like with Alex, we’ll have to find a solution.
“He's a young player, who wasn't well-known here, but who has gone from strength to strength, who has contributed a lot to us, both in terms of numbers and in terms of what he means to our team and what he influences our opponents.
"If Villarreal believes that, with the investment they've made and what they can receive in just one year, plus the performance they've given, this transaction should be carried out, and if the player himself wants to look for a new destination, then we accept it and will look for solutions so that the team doesn't weaken."
It was reported on Wednesday by Santi Aouna of Foot Mercato that the striker is keen on a move to Hill Dickinson Stadium.
France's Under-21 side were knocked out of the European Championship on Wednesday by Germany, potentially paving the way for the Blues to get a deal done.
David Moyes has made no secret of his desire to improve the team's attacking options. Everton held talks with Liam Delap over a transfer, although he eventually decided to join Chelsea.
The Blues could also be about to lose Dominic Calvert-Lewin on a free transfer, with the striker out of contract at the end of this month.