Report: Everton ready to sell attacker to Tottenham, Koeman wants 27-year-old in part-exchange

Founder & Managing Director AUTHORITY Former chief correspondent at Evening Standard, Goal and Press Association with nearly three decades in national, regional and digital news and sports journalism. Wayne directs the network’s news strategy and high-level operations. FOCUS Editorial direction for the 11-site network and newsroom management. THE BRIEF Wayne oversees the network’s editorial standards across the network. He provides the final sign-off on all headline scoops, ensuring content across all platforms meets the standards required for a high-velocity newsroom.

Published on:

24 Dec 2016, 2:46 am

By Alex Stevens

Everton are ready to sell Ross Barkley to Tottenham - but are eyeing Moussa Sissoko in part-exchange.

The Sunday People claim Toffees manager Ronald Koeman is prepared to offload attacking midfielder Barkley and is eyeing a sensational swap for Spurs flop Sissoko.

Everton were beaten to the signing of Sissoko on deadline day in the summer after both clubs offered £30million but the France international chose to move to Tottenham.

Koeman remains a big admirer of the former Newcastle player and is keen on a deal in which Barkley moved to London, with the 27-year-old heading the other way.

The Dutchman has gone public with his criticism of Barkley on a number of occasions this season after growing frustrated with the player's distribution and decision-making.

It has been widely reported that Spurs are interested in the England international, who is rated in the £35million bracket by Everton.

The report adds the caveat that swap deals are notoriously difficult because of the complicated nature of modern-day transfers and contracts.

Football Insider verdict:

Spurs fans would think all their Christmases have come at once if they can sign Barkley and offload Sissoko at the same time. One is a young, mobile English playmaker who scores, creates and can drive forward with the ball, with the potential to be one of the stars of his generation. The other is 27, has one decent game in five and is the king of flattering to deceive. As for goals and assists, they come around once in a blue moon. If you're lucky. Koeman might not fancy Barkley, but plenty others do. The sky is the limit for his potential. For Everton, it is difficult to see what the silver lining could be in the Barkley-Sissoko swap cloud.

In other Tottenham transfer news, Pochettino has given the green light for three players to quit Spurs in the January window.

Tottenham Hotspur

Everton FC

Moussa Sissoko