Aston Villa have one big advantage in Ross Barkley race as talks open – sources
Aston Villa have been handed a boost to their chances of signing Ross Barkley from Luton Town, sources have told Football Insider.
The midfielder, 30, is keen to play in the Champions League next season and Villa’s fourth-placed finish has given them the edge over many rival clubs.
Multiple top Premier League clubs are competing for his signature, including Newcastle United, but Villa are in pole position to get a deal agreed.
This comes after Football Insider revealed last Saturday that Villa have opened talks to re-sign the midfielder after Unai Emery gave the deal the green light.
Aston Villa handed new advantage in Ross Barkley race
After scoring five goals and picking four assists in 32 Premier League games for Luton this season, playing in a deeper role, the former Villa loanee has turned his career around following some difficult years.
With talks already underway, there is now a possibility that Barkley could arrive at Villa Park as the club’s first summer signing.
Luton boss Rob Edwards has refused to comment on the length of the midfielder’s contract amid questions over its length following his move last summer.
Barkley was signed on a free transfer after a mixed spell playing for Nice in Ligue 1.
Speculation over his deal comes after Andros Townsend, who signed on a similar deal when he arrived at Kenilworth Road last summer, was handed an extension to take him beyond the initial one-year deal.
In other news, Aaron Wan-Bissaka could now quit Man United.
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