‘The perfect move’: Championship club expected to sign Aston Villa star Ross Barkley
Aston Villa midfielder Ross Barkley is attracting attention from a number of clubs at the top of the Championship table ahead of the summer transfer window.
Despite reports elsewhere, the 32-year-old’s contract at Villa Park is set to run until 2027, but there remains a possibility he could move on this summer.
Barkley has struggled with injuries so far this season but recently returned to the side during the FA Cup defeat to Newcastle and remains a valuable option.
However, former Aston Villa scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that the midfielder could be allowed to leave if the right opportunity presents itself at the end of the season.
Barkley’s experience and know-how would make him the “perfect” signing for a newly-promoted or promotion-chasing side, with many now eyeing a deal.
Championship clubs race to sign Ross Barkley
Football Insider revealed in January that Sheffield United has registered their interest in Barkley, but ultimately missed out due to concerns about his fitness.
When available, Emery still counts on Barkley as a useful squad player, but a move to a newly-promoted or promotion-chasing side could see him reignite his Luton Town form.
“I think Ross Barkley can still be a valuable asset for Villa,” Brown told Football Insider.
“But he has been pushed down the pecking order a little bit with Douglas Luiz coming in, and he’s playing in a position where they’ve got some top options.
“Early in his career I had a few concerns about Barkley and his character, but in recent years he’s stepped up and become more of a senior professional.
“He’s showed that experience at Villa and especially showed it when he was at Luton, playing in a bit of a deeper role helping to dictate their play.
“Those performances, and the way he’s played for Villa, have attracted interest from clubs lower in the Premier League and certainly in the Championship.
“They’d be willing to take a chance on him, whether it’s for experience after getting into the Premier League or to help them push for promotion.
“I think that would be the perfect move for him, to use his experience and know-how to help a club improve, rather than being a bit-part player at Villa.”
Ollie Watkins update emerges as he could be pushed out
Barkley is not the only player who could be allowed to leave Villa Park this summer, with Ollie Watkins’ future also up in the air after a frustrating season.
Brown told Football Insider on 24 February that Emery could push Watkins out of Aston Villa in favour of bringing in a more regular goalscorer in his place.
The 30-year-old has scored just eight goals in 37 appearances across all competitions so far this season including just one in his last six as Villa‘s form has stuttered.
Emery is expected to be key to any decision over the striker’s future as the pair share a close relationship, but confidence in his long-term role in the side is fading.
The arrival of Tammy Abraham, who has scored two goals in five appearances and just two starts so far, could tempt Villa to dip into the market again in the summer.
To read more about Aston Villa’s transfer plans, head over to Aston Villa News.