Roberto Martinez believes Everton FC and Gareth Barry are a “perfect fit” – but the Blues boss is willing to be patient in his pursuit of the midfielder.
Martinez wants to secure the 33-year-old on a permanent deal after his successful season-long loan from Manchester City last term.
Barry is understood to be weighing up his options and Everton hope to speak with the former England man further in the coming days.
Evertonians are keen for the club to tie up Barry on a deal but Martinez says transfer activity is often slowed during World Cup years and so he remains calm about the situation.
“In a World Cup summer everything goes slow and everything happens at its own pace,” Martinez said.
“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.
“Football happiness is a major aspect any footballer chases and Gareth and Everton are a perfect fit and the way he has been performing shows he has that footballing happiness.
“We all know what Gareth brings and how important that is.”
Martinez is in Brazil working as a pundit on the World Cup and is not expected back on Merseyside until late next week.
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