Barry's arrival provides fresh competition up top for Blues

BETO would have known this was coming.

- By MATT JONES ECHO Reporter

Even after what were his best months in an Everton jersey, it was pretty clear that David Moyes was going to sign a striker this summer.

On the eve of the Blues’ Goodison Park clash with Ipswich Town in May, Moyes made it clear that Everton had an interest in Liam Delap.

Later the same month, the Blues boss confirmed talks had been held about a possible transfer.

"We're probably a little bit behind the black ball but hopefully, you never know what happens," he said. Delap would end up at Chelsea.

Still, the failure of that transfer was never likely to deter Everton’s attempts to improve their goalscoring options.

Thierno Barry was linked and has now subsequently signed after an impressive year with Villarreal in La Liga.

The 22-year-old will bring excitement with him. But in Beto, he will face an obdurate rival for the starting spot, provided Moyes continues to play with a solitary forward.