How Everton really feel about RB Leipzig's Thierno Barry pursuit

Everton and Thierno Barry are a match that simply wasn't made in heaven.

The Toffees signed the 23-year-old last summer from Villarreal in a deal worth an initial £25million, with a four-year contract.

The Frenchman notched eight goals in the Premier League, but often underwhelmed with big misses in his debut campaign in England.

Barry has been subject to an enquiry from RB Leipzig already this summer.

Some observers believe that he deserves more of a chance, but others think that David Moyes' side should cash in.

The Hill Dickinson Stadium club's stance on the approach is interesting to say the least.

What is Everton's view on Leipzig wanting to sign Thierno Barry?

Everton view Leipzig's enquiry as a positive, believing that is a sign of his potential ability.

However, they could be tempted to sell the young forward if a high enough bid is launched.

Local journalist Joe Thomas shared the Blues' thoughts in a Liverpool Echo Q&A on Thursday.

He said: "RB Leipzig have put some tentative feelers out there about Thierno Barry.

"They have largely been a source of positivity at Everton.

"Given the club’s reputation for developing players, their interest is being seen as vindication of what the club sees - that there is real potential in the forward.

"There is a willingness to persevere with Barry, though they could be tested by a serious bid for him."

Why Everton must sell Barry if the chance comes along

The L3 outfit simply have to sell Barry if they can recoup the fee that they spent on him.

He has alienated the supporter base with his poor performances and his antics off the pitch, backing his friends after fighting broke out with fans at the Arsenal loss, without having the full picture.

Barry averaged just 0.2 goals per game, created an expected goals margin of 8.15 and an expected assist margin of just 0.47, underlying numbers which do not suggest that he could come good anytime soon.

Moyes likes his attackers to defend from the front, but he struggles, making 0.2 tackles, 0.9 ball recoveries and 0.7 clearances per game, according to Sofascore data.

The Toffees need someone they can rely on, in front of goal and to help out defensively, but the Under-21 international is neither of those things and there is no suggestion that will improve.

The idea that the Bundesliga side's interest is positive is simply wrong, the only good thing is that it may allow the Merseysiders to shift him off their books.

If they get a decent enough number, they should not look back and agree to send him to Germany.