Pellegrini to let veteran midfielder decide his future.
Check in to Transfer Window: Done Deal Alerts
Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has said that former England midfielder Gareth Barry wants to stay and fight for his place at the club, but will not stand in his way should he decide to try his luck elsewhere, Sky Sports reports.
The 32-year-old has been linked with a summer move to Everton this summer, after rumours of a return to Aston Villa failed to materialise. Both clubs had been linked with making an offer to taking him on a season long loan.
Barry has now entered the final year of his deal at the Etihad and looks as though he will need to fight for a place after City’s heavy spending over the summer has meant that competition for places is now tougher than ever – the £30 million arrival of Fernandinho will be the biggest stumbling block with the Brazilian looking to fulfil the same role.
Pellegrini has previously stated that he would rather keep a hold of a player with such a rich wealth of experience, as he knows that strength in depth will be vital to the club challenging for honours this season, however, he has also intimated that he will not stand in the player’s way should he decide to take up a challenge elsewhere.
“I spoke with Gareth. He wants to stay here and he does not have any problems staying here to fight for his position like any other player in the squad.
“If he wants to go because he has better options, it depends on what he wants to do.”