EVERTON TARGET BARRY EARNS RAVE REVIEWS

France U21s forward Thierno comes long way in short time

- By CHRIS BEESLEY ECHO Reporter

CURRENTLY playing for France in the UEFA European Under-21 Championship in Slovakia, Everton-linked striker Thierno Barry has come a long way in a short space of time.

Everton are ready to intensify their interest in the Villarreal forward Barry during a pivotal summer for the club, writes Paul Joyce in the Times.

The report states: "The 22-year-old is a leading target for David Moyes as he looks to reshape his squad. The Frenchman has a release clause of EUR40million (£34million).

"He scored 11 goals in 35 La Liga games last season, having moved to Spain from the Swiss club Basel for £11.8million on a five-year deal in August. It is likely that Everton would try to negotiate that figure down given the amount of deals they must look to do before moving into their new 52,888-capacity Hill Dickinson Stadium on the banks of the River Mersey next season."

Barry came on as a 62nd minute substitute for Matthis Abline in France's opening fixture of the tournament but despite being unable to provide a breakthrough in a goalless draw with Portugal in Trencin, where his side will play all their Group C matches, he earned positive reviews for his display.

Goodison News quotes various outlets with Le Figaro stating: "Thierno Barry still made an interesting entrance, without managing to give the Bleuets the victory."

La Nouvelle Republique remarked: "After the break, the French looked much better. Particularly in attack, Gerald Baticle's men finally showed more cohesion to create danger... the Bleuets, helped by the good entry of Barry."

Meanwhile, So Foot said: "It was the new entrant Thierno Barry who was the first to hit the target of Samuel Soares with a powerful header from the penalty spot, perfectly saved by the Benfica goalkeeper."