EVERTON target Gareth Barry will be allowed to leave Manchester City if he desires to move on, according to Manuel Pellegrini.
Barry, who is in the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium, has not be guaranteed a first-team role since the arrival of Pellegrini as manager in June.
Everton boss Roberto Martinez is interested in taking Barry on a season-long loan and Pellegrini was open to the possibility of letting the England international leave.
“In the position of Gareth we have also Rodwell, Garcia, Fernandinho and Yaya Toure,” he said.
“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 joined City in 2009 from Aston Villa for £12m and was an influential member of the first-team under Roberto Mancini, however the £30m addition of Fernandinho has seen the need for the 32-year-old lessen.
Martinez is looking to reinforce his midfield as uncertainty still remains over the future of Marouane Fellaini, who was subject of a double bid which included left-back Leighton Baines from Manchester United.
The £28m offer from the Premier League champions was rejected by the Toffees, however Martinez is readying himself for an improved offer from former Blues boss David Moyes.