Villarreal manager Marcelino has admitted he is concerned by Everton’s interest in Thierno Barry, but unaware of any impending departure.
El Larguero have an interview with the Villarreal manager today in which he is asked directly about Everton’s interest in the striker.
The 22-year-old striker is believed to be at the top of Everton’s wish list this summer as they look to strengthen David Moyes’ attacking options.
Their interest in him has been made clear in both the Spanish and English media, with the former suggesting that Everton are ready to pay his to pay his €40m release clause, or close to it, this summer.
Indeed, reports yesterday made it clear that Everton remain locked in negotiations with Villarreal over a deal for the striker. In fact, they are believed to be confident that a deal can be struck in the coming days.
Barry is reportedly keen on the move to the Premier League, something which has strengthened Everton’s belief that they can get him. They may have been helped in that cause by the fact that France’s U21’s, who Barry is currently with, were knocked out of the U21 European Championship on Wednesday evening.
That leaves Barry to now focus on transfer business, although Villarreal manager Marcelino is unaware of anything impending.
“We’re always concerned about the departure of important players, like we were talking about Álex (Baena) earlier,” Futbol Fantasy report him saying on today’s programme.
“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 Álex, 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.”
