Premier League side Everton have identified Kevin Strootman as a potential replacement for veteran midfielder Gareth Barry, according to reports from the Daily Mirror

Barry was signed by Everton from Manchester City during the summer of 2013 and ever since joining the Toffees’, the midfielder has proven to be a quality signing for the club.

Barry has managed to establish himself as a mainstay in the Everton starting lineup over the last three seasons and despite his advancing years, the Englishman remains an integral figure under manager Ronald Koeman during the current campaign.

While the evergreen Barry seemingly looks like he can go on forever, Everton will be smart to identify long term replacements for the midfielder as soon as possible and claims are being made that the Toffees are currently already in the market.

Now according to reports emerging out of England, it has been revealed that Everton have shortlisted Roma star Kevin Strootman as a potential target.

Strootman was once regarded as one of the most promising midfielders in the world but his progress has been curtailed over the years due to persistent injury problems.

Nonetheless, Strootman has managed to keep himself fit during the current campaign and has been crucial to Roma’s strong start to the season.

There are doubts regarding Strootman’s long term future at Roma though as he has only 18 months remaining on his current deal at the club and now according to reports from the Daily Mirror, it has been claimed that Everton will be plotting a swoop for the Dutch international this January.

It remains to be seen as to whether Roma would be willing to sell Strootman this summer but Everton do have the financial capability to lure the midfielder away from the Stadio Olimpico and it is an interesting story to follow.