Everton now confident of signing Villarreal French striker Thierno Barry | OneFootball

Everton are confident they can seal a deal for Villarreal striker Thierno Barry in the next few days as the striker wants to join the Toffees, according to Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna. An agreement is yet to be reached to bring the Frenchman to the Goodison Park club, but talks remain ongoing between both clubs. Barry has a €40 million release clause Villarreal want suitors to activate to sign him, but Everton want to pay lower than that.

The Merseyside club want to strengthen their attacking ranks, and the 22-year-old has caught their eyes after he ended last term with 19 goals and four assists in 41 appearances. Barry notched eight goals for Swiss Super League club Basel in four appearances before moving to the La Liga club in August, ending his debut campaign with 11 goals in 37 games.

He is an excellent finisher who is also capable of winning aerial duels and playing key passes, and Everton could do with such a number 9 within their ranks. Toffees manager David Moyes is planning for life without Dominic Calvert-Lewin, while Beto could also be on his way out of the club, and Barry would be a perfect replacement to fill their shoes.

He has proven himself in the Championnat National 3, Challenger Pro League, Swiss Super League and La Liga, and he has what it takes to hit the ground running in the Premier League.

The Frenchman can grow into one of the best number 9s in the English top-flight under Moyes, and it appears both parties are willing to work together.

Villarreal do not want to lose such a player after just one season, and Everton may need to meet their demands and part with €40m if they want their man this summer.