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Ronald Koeman wants to keep Gareth Barry at Everton this season - but hinted he wouldn’t stand in his way if he asked to leave.

A number of clubs have been linked with showing interest in the veteran midfielder this summer.

Koeman remains keen on keeping “great professional” Barry as part of his squad but says he will discuss the 36-year-old’s future in due course.

(Image: Photo by Tony McArdle/Everton FC via Getty Images)

Asked if he would be willing to let Barry leave Goodison before the close of the window on August 31, Koeman said: “It depends.

“If players are unhappy...Gareth is a great professional and I’m happy if he will stay but if he will like to move, OK, we will see what happens. I don’t know.

“At the moment we don’t have to make that decision.”

(Image: Tony McArdle/Everton FC via Getty Images)

Barry missed Saturday’s game with Stoke City because of an ankle injury but is expected to be fit for the trip to Manchester City on August 21.

The former England midfielder is no longer guaranteed a place in Everton’s starting XI but Koeman still sees him as a valued member of the Blues squad.

Yet the Everton manager has now suggested he would be willing to let him go this summer.