Gareth Barry signs three-year deal to join Everton

Gareth Barry has agreed a three-year deal to join Everton on a free transfer.

The 33-year-old, who was on loan at Goodison Park from Manchester City last season, has signed a permanent deal with the Toffees until 2017.

Manchester City were expecting a £2million fee if the former England midfielder agreed to sign a contract at Goodison after last season’s loan spell, even though Barry was out of contract last month.

The impasse threatened to scupper the deal, but the two clubs finally came to a compromise agreement over the fee.

Barry spent 11 years at Aston Villa before moving to Manchester City in 2009.