Manuel Pellegrini content to allow Gareth Barry to "fight for his position"

Manager Manuel Pellegrini has claimed that midfielder Gareth Barry wants to stay and fight for his position at Manchester City.

However, with Barry's place in Pellegrini's team far from guaranteed, the Chilean boss says that he will understand if the 32-year-old changes his mind.

"In the position of Gareth we have also [Jack] Rodwell, [Javi] Garcia, Fernandinho and Yaya Toure," Pellegrini told reporters.

"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."

Barry, whose current contract is due to expire in less than 12 months, is reported to be wanted by Everton on a season-long loan deal.