The dream of a Gareth Barry return to Villa is over - for now

Gareth Barry has been strongly linked with a return to Aston Villa this season - however that has now been nixed, and nixed from a high place.

Ronald Koeman, the Everton manager has made it clear that Barry is an important part of his Everton team - especially so with a return to European football on the cards in the upcoming season. Gareth Barry is still playing at the highest level and it wouldn’t be impossible to imagine that he’ll be playing past 40 - his ability has only improved despite his physicality declining with age. Barry was an important figure for Everton this past season and dictated the play for the Toffees, so of course - they won’t be letting him go.

Gareth Barry’s time at the top is set to continue, and he’s only five games away from beating Ryan Gigg’s Premier League record of 632 appearances - with gusto if he can match his 33 appearances of this past season. However, a return to Aston Villa will be on the cards once more and rumours will swirl should Everton improve this season.