Sky: Demands ‘untrue’ in Tottenham pursuit of 22-cap international

Wed 19 July 2017 17:36, UK

By Russell Edge

Everton midfielder Ross Barkley is not looking to become Tottenham’s highest paid player as he looks to secure a move away from the the club, according to Sky Sports News.

The sports broadcaster report on the live transfer blog on their website (13:49) that the 23-year-old’s supposed demands of £150,000-a-week are “untrue”.

They also state that Tottenham remain interested in the attacking midfielder, but are unwilling to meet Everton’s valuation.

This update comes just hours after the Mirror had claimed that the Everton midfielder was looking to become the Lilywhites’ top earner, ahead of the likes of Harry Kane and Hugo Lloris.

The Spurs duo are claimed to earn in the region of £120,000-a-week, and it is now stated that Barkley is not looking to top their deals were he to join the club.

The 22-cap England international has just a year left on his contract at Goodison Park, but has been unwilling to sign a new deal as he seemingly looks to construct a move away from Merseyside.

Football Insider verdict

Barkley’s demands seemed out of place for a man who seemed desperate to leave Everton this summer, so news that the claims were false do not come as a surprise. Barkley might be looking for a better deal elsewhere, but having failed to live up to his high expectations last season, there is no way he could demand £150,000-a-week. He has got to prove he has what it takes to perform at a top class club, and he should expect his initial contract to be full of performance bonuses, rather than a large out-and-out wage. The news will also be a boost to Spurs, who would have turned away from any potential deal if the wage demands were so high.