West Brom willing to offer Everton midfielder Gareth Barry two-year contract
West Brom are hoping to lure former Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry to The Hawthorns with a two-year contract and the promise of first-team football.
The 36-year-old is considering his future at Everton following Ronald Koeman’s summer pending spree that has already brought in midfielder Davy Klaassen from Ajax and is set to clinch Gylfi Sigurdsson from Swansea.
Barry was already battling it out with Morgan Schneiderlin, Idrissa Gueye, Tom Davies, and James McCarthy, although he started 23 Premier League games last season.
He has one year left on his Everton contract but Baggies boss Tony Pulis, who wants to replace departed skipper Darren Fletcher, is willing to give him a second year based on performances.
However, he may struggle to persuade Koeman, who has previously described Barry as one of the best players he’s managed, to part with his veteran midfielder.
Pulis wants to make a number of additions before the window shuts, but is focusing on the central midfield and centre-back positions at the moment.
His need for players was highlighted in pre-season by several niggling injuries.
Gareth McAuley, James Morrison, Nacer Chadli and Chris Brunt all didn’t travel to Spain for the team’s final warm-up game of the summer against Deportivo La Coruna and then before kick-off, Jonny Evans pulled out with a tight hamstring.
But Pulis has been handed a boost by his medical department, who are confident everyone will be fit for the season-opener against Bournemouth on Saturday.
Director of Performance Mark Gillett said: "Gareth and James have made good progress and we are confident they will be able to join the group for full training this week.
"That's always the main target – to go into the final week with everyone available and that's where we are.
"Jonny's situation on Saturday was similar to Matty Phillips at Bristol. The moment they report a problem, no matter how slight, there is no point taking chances."
Although McAuley and Morrison are due back in training on Monday, they are unlikely to start against the Cherries because they will not be match fit.
Jake Livermore was shown a red card against Deportivo La Coruna after lashing out at Fabian Schar but the FA have confirmed to Albion that no further action will be taken and the England international will be available for the Bournemouth game.
