Transfer news: Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry told he can join Everton confirms Manuel Pellegrini

Gareth Barry – who is a target to replace Marouane Fellaini at Everton – is free to leave Manchester City, their manager Manuel Pellegrini has confirmed.

The 32-year-old, who has won 53 caps for England, has fallen down the pecking order at the Etihad. Fernandinho, who also plays in central midfield, was signed from Shakhtar Donetsk over the summer. Barry will reportedly join up at Goodison Park on a season-long loan if the City subsidise his wages for the campaign.

“In the position of Gareth we have also (Jack) Rodwell, (Javi) Garcia, Fernandinho and Yaya Toure.

”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."

A veteran of the Premier League, Barry needs just three more appearances in the division to record his milestone 500th Premier League appearance. He moved to City for £12m from Aston Villa in June 2009, and was part of the City team to win the league in 2012, and the FA Cup the season before in 2011.