Path clearing for Barry talks

THE path is opening up for talks between Everton and Villarreal over Thierno Barry to advance should the Blues wish to forge a deal for the starlet.

- By JOE THOMAS

Everton hold a genuine interest in the 22-year-old, who scored 11 times in La Liga last season and has a release clause of around £34m.

A flurry of reports on Wednesday suggested the Blues were continuing to explore a deal, though were looking to negotiate a lower fee for the forward.

As interest persists, potential obstacles to a deal are diminishing. The summer transfer window has remained relatively calm over recent weeks for a host of reasons that include Premier League clubs operating with caution until the beginning of the new football financial year next week. Several, including Everton, are still in talks with players whose contracts are due to expire at the end of June, too.