Gareth Barry reveals details of Old Firm 'interest'

The ex-Aston Villa midfielder was out of favour with Roberto Mancini at Manchester City. when he made the season-long move to Everton on Deadline Day.

However, in a new interview, the 45-year-old has spoken about conversations with his representatives over a move north of the border. "There certainly was a conversation when I left Man City and had a loan season at Everton," he said, speaking to BOYLE Sports, who offer the latest football odds.

It was a conversation with my agent about Scotland and any real interest. I just think the timings and everything meant there was never any real strong interest, which is a shame, really, because it's something I'd probably like to have sampled.

"You get players that go out there on loan sometimes for half a season just to sample it, and they seem to have great times. The Old Firm Derby is quite something, just watching on TV, you can tell the atmosphere, and as a player, you would have loved to play in it.

"Unfortunately, nothing really got too close, but it's one I would have loved to have experienced."

Scottish football looked very different back in 2013, with Rangers in League One under Ally McCoist at the time.

Due to financial constraints, Neil Lennon's Celtic were likely the team that was interested in Barry's services, given both their league standing and their participation in the Champions League that year.

The following season, Barry signed permanently with Everton, spending three years there before finishing his professional career at West Bromwich Albion.