Everton are in the market for a striker this summer transfer window.
Everton manager David Moyes has been eyeing Nick Woltemade after his 17-goal season with Bundesliga outfit Stuttgart.
Woltemade is believed to be valued at around £34m, however, competition for his signature is rife, with Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, Chelsea and Liverpool all circling.
Everton are also exploring a deal to sign Thierno Barry from Villarreal and the French frontman is open to making a move to Merseyside.
Now, Thierno Barry’s manager has just shared what he’s hearing about the potential transfer to the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Villarreal striker Thierno Barry.
Photo By Ivan Terron/Europa Press via Getty Images
Villarreal manager shares what he’s hearing about a Thierno Barry transfer to Everton
In an exclusive interview with El Larguero, via Futbol Fantasy, Villarreal boss Marcelino Garcia Toral was asked about Everton’s interest in Barry.
“We’re always concerned about the departure of important players, like we were talking about Alex earlier,” Marcelino admitted. “I don’t know what the situation is with Barry, if his departure is close; the last information I had wasn’t as likely to 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 affects our opponents.”
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The Spanish head coach did note that if Barry wants to leave, the club will accept his decision and sanction a transfer.
“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, that the deal should be carried out, and also if the player himself wants to look for a new destination, then we accept it and we’ll look for solutions so that the team doesn’t weaken.”
Barry may have to hand in transfer request
Judging by Marcelino’s comments, it seems Villarreal aren’t expecting Barry to join Moyes’ side this summer.
However, if Barry was to hand in a transfer request, it’s evident the Spanish outfit would accept and enter negotiations with the Toffees.
Everton don’t really want to meet his £33m release clause and are reportedly hopeful of reaching an agreement for less than that figure.
Some outlets have suggested a transfer could be agreed in the coming days, so it’s certainly one that’s moving at pace.