Everton manager Roberto Martinez has revealed that he is closing in on the signing of Gareth Barry, but the move may not go through until the World Cup has finished.
The 33-year-old, who spent last season on loan at Goodison Park, is a free agent after his contract at Manchester City expired earlier this summer.
Martinez has claimed that the former England international would be the perfect signing for the Toffees.
"In a World Cup summer everything goes slow and everything happens at its own pace," he told The Echo. "Gareth is such a unique person, I have been so impressed and I think everyone at the club has taken to him.
"For us he would be an important player for the future but we respect him as a human being and we are going to accept whatever he decides and make sure whatever happens we are here to support him in every aspect.
"He has been a special player for us and we will try to give him an incentive to stay even though there is nothing you can say to a player who has experienced everything in the last 10 months."
Barry scored three goals in 37 appearances for Everton last season.
Steven Toplis
