Four days ago, we covered claims from Spain that Everton have knocked on Villarreal’s door for Thierno Barry.
The Toffees’ interest in the striker is now further backed up by Monday’s editions of AS and Marca.
AS state the 22-year-old’s displays for the La Liga club have generated interest from the Premier League. The newspaper only focuses on Everton as they have made him one of their priority targets for this summer window.
The Yellow Submarine invested €15m to buy him from FC Basel in August of last year. He starred in his debut season, managing 11 goals and four assists from 35 league games.
David Moyes’ side haven’t made a formal offer yet but are evaluating the Frenchman’s situation closely. The Spanish club are calm and are referring to Barry’s €40m release clause.
It’ll be a ‘profitable deal’ to sell him for €40m, but it isn’t clear if Everton are willing to meet Villarreal’s request.
The La Liga club feel Barry is comfortable where he is and can play Champions League with them next season. Everton, on the other hand, haven’t qualified for Europe.
Marca state the Merseyside club’s interest in the frontman has grown in recent days. They are willing to table a bid close to his clause for their priority target and if that were to happen, Barry has to decide whether to join Everton or continue at Villarreal.