Having burst on to the scene in 2013 at the Goodison Park, Ross Barkley was tipped to be one of his country’s brightest prospects.
Although Barkley started his career at the heart of the midfield, he has made it no secret that he prefers to play in a playmaker role, as a no.10.
However, he has faced criticism for his inconsistencies and his failure to build on his early promise and reputation and has fallen down the pecking order, both at Everton and in the national team.
Reports has it that Barkley has made his intentions clear to move away from the Goodison and has already rejected a new deal offered by the club, in search of game time.
Latest reports claim that Manchester United is targeting the Evertonian. Several media outlets understands that Jose Mourinho is attracted by his youth and his undoubted talent, not to mention his English status and is keen to bring him to Old Trafford.
However, Barkley’s personal demands as well as Everton’s asking price of 50 million pounds for the midfielder has put off any serious interest in him from various clubs, not just United, which is deemed to be much more than necessary for a player who has just one year left on his contract.
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Nevertheless it is understood that Manchester United will continue to monitor Ross Barkley ‘s tense situation at Everton and will only move for the player in late August only if his valuation reduces to below 20 million pounds and if Barkley lowers his personal demands.
This could be possible as Ronald Koeman is reportedly desperate to land Swansea midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson and would want to make room for the Iceland International, with Everton already announcing the signing of Dutch midfielder Davy Klassen.
Ross Barkley would know that he would not be guaranteed a spot in the starting line up- Juan Mata, Henrikh Mkhitariyan, Paul Pogba are more preferred for the no.10 role due to their consistent performances at this time.
The same can be said for a spot in the centre midfield with Ander Herrera ,Carrick, Fellaini and Pereira all battling it out for a spot. The prospect of potentially establishing himself at United and earning big money over time may tempt him though.
The club from Old Trafford is reportedly interested in the young midfielder as paying less than 20 million pounds would be a nick if Barkley finally realises and taps into his potential. If otherwise, he is still young enough to be sold for a profit.
It was widely reported earlier this summer that Tottenham or Chelsea would be his likely destination. With Manchester United entering the fray, it looks like it would turn out to be a fascinating three way face-off to secure the Englishman’s signature.
