Roberto Martinez was widely lauded for his astute usage of the loan market last season, where the arrival of Romelu Lukaku, Gerard Deulofeu and Gareth Barry made a huge impact in Everton’s fine campaign.
While Lukaku and Deulofeu may have taken most of the headlines due to their exciting attacking prowess, it was Barry who was arguably the most integral loan signing for the Toffees. The midfielder played a crucial role in the Everton midfield and was very important in facilitating Roberto Martinez’s free-flowing style of play at Goodison Park.
With Barry now available on a free transfer, Everton securing the midfielder on a permanent deal has been seen as a no-brainer.
However, given the fact that Barry is already 33 and on huge wages, some have suggested that Everton would be better off looking for a younger alternative next season, despite the former England international’s fine contribution.
With the likes of Arsenal and West Ham United also said to be interested in Barry, Everton securing the services of the midfielder next season will not be as straight forward as imagined.
As a result, it has been reported that Everton are looking at alternative targets as a replacement for Barry and a host of names have already been linked with a move to Goodison Park.
Here is a look at the three players who have been linked with a move to Everton if in case Barry is not retained.
Jack Rodwell
| Team | Manchester City |
| Appearances | 5 |
| Goals | 0 |
| Assists | 0 |
| Age | 23 |
| Expected Fee | £7million |
It is fair to say that Jack Rodwell’s promising looking career has taken a nosedive ever since is move from Everton to Manchester City back in 2012. Since his switch to the Etihad, Rodwell has made only 16 Premier League appearances for the Sky Blues, with persistent injuries and intense competition for places stalling his progress.
It seems clear that Rodwell is surplus to requirements at City and are said to be ready to listen to offers for the midfielder. As a result, a sensational move back to Everton has been touted in recent times. While some may be skeptical about taking Rodwell back, at 23 the midfielder is still very young and knows Everton inside out.
Prior to his move to City, Rodwell had already amassed over 100 appearances for the Toffees and looked destined for greatness. His ill fated move to City certainly has not gone according to plan but a move back to Everton could well reignite his career.
City would certainly want to recoup a portion of the £15million they shelled out for Rodwell just two seasons ago and a price of £7million has been touted. Available at such a price, Rodwell would surely be a risk worth taking for the Toffees.
Benjamin Stambouli
| Team | Montpellier |
| Appearances | 37 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Age | 23 |
| Expected Fee | £3.5 million |
Young Benjamin Stambouli has been one of the star performers in the French Ligue 1 this season. In a struggling Montpellier side, Stambouli was arguably the most consistent performer alongside Remy Cabella and as a result of his fine performances; the 23-year old managed to reportedly catch the attention of Everton.
A defensive midfielder by trade but who can play in various positions, Stambouli is in a similar mould to Barry and would certainly prove to be an able replacement for the veteran.
What makes the Frenchman an even more attractive option is the fact that his contract at Montpellier is set to expire in 2015 and it is believed that Everton can land him for a cut price of around only £3.5million.
Jack Colback
| Team | Sunderland |
| Appearances | 33 |
| Goals | 3 |
| Assists | 3 |
| Age | 24 |
| Expected Fee | Free transfer |
Jack Colback has been another player linked with a move to Everton as a replacement for Gareth Barry. Although a bit of a surprise link, Colback is an experienced Premier League player at the age of just 24.
The combative midfielder played a huge role in Sunderland’s miraculous escape from the jaws of relegation and given that he is out of contract, a host of teams have expressed their interest in signing the Englishman.
Perhaps not exactly the type of player Everton fans would be looking for in order to make a step-up next season, Colback would be a useful addition at Goodison Park and considering that he will be available on a free transfer, Roberto Martinez will certainly ponder about making a move for the 24-year old.
