Roberto Martinez has revealed he would be interested in making Gareth Barry’s switch to Goodison Park permanent should the midfielder’s loan spell prove successful for all parties involved.
Barry will spend 2013/14 at Everton after completing a season-long loan move late on Monday evening.
The midfielder’s long-term future is unclear as his current deal at parent club Manchester City expires next summer.
Martinez was delighted to add Barry to his squad and told evertontv that he has already got one eye on the possibility of extending the England man’s stay on Merseyside beyond the duration of his loan agreement.
The Spaniard said: “What we want is to find a way where Gareth can come and be a part of Everton and enjoy his football, and we can all enjoy his experience and his quality.
“After that, we will see if there is an opportunity to see him for many, many years to come – because I do believe Gareth has got a long-term future at the club.”
Barry also declared himself open to the prospect of joining Everton on a permanent basis but stressed that he would have to earn any full-time deal.
“Obviously that will happen if I can produce good performances this season, stay fit and put a good run of games together,” said the 32-year-old when introduced to the media at Finch Farm on Tuesday morning
“That is all down to me impressing the club, so I don’t see why that can’t happen.”