Everton left BEWILDERED as Tottenham and Arsenal lead chase for Man City star Gareth Barry #BringBackOurGirls #FutureGroupNG via @myentertain9jar

EVERTON have been left stunned by the news that Tottenham and Arsenal are now favourites to land Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry.

Gareth Barry's contract with Manchester City is set to expire next month[GETTY]

Everton's onloan midfielder Barry had been an instrumental figure in helping the Toffees achieve their highest ever Premier League points tally.
He was also key in achieving the Merseysiders first bow into European football since 2009/2010, having been knocked-out in the last 32 by Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon.

Barry helped Everton achieve a fifth place finish in the Barclays Premier League [GETTY]

Despite forming a effective partnership alongside James McCarthy, reports now suggest that the 33-year-old is set to snub Everton in favour of either Arsenal or Tottenham.
It is believed that Everton will offer Barry a two-year deal worth £50,000-a-week, but the former England international may look elsewhere to retain his current £80,000-a-week wages.

Roberto Martinez described Barry as an "incredible guy" [GETTY]

Arsene Wenger is keen to gain an experienced holding midfielder with the intensity of Barry to counter-balance the attack-minded youngsters of Jack Wilshere, Mesut Ozil, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Theo Walcott.
Whilst a move to Tottenham seems less realistic with no manager in place, and an abundance of defensive midfielders including Sandro, Mousa Dembele and Paulinho.