Tottenham weighing up move for PL playmaker – report
By Derek Smithson
Tottenham have “cooled their interest” in signing Everton playmaker Ross Barkley this summer, according to a report.
The Daily Mirror claim that Spurs are having second thoughts about signing the 23-year-old, despite being long-term admirers of the attacking midfielder.
It is understood that the north London club have concerns about the Toffees ace and are not sure whether he is worth purchasing.
The report details that Spurs are weighing up the risk of a potential move for Barkley and he could be left in a tricky situation if Mauricio Pochettino’s side withdraw their interest.
Everton manager Ronald Koeman has already warned the Englishman that he will not feature in the club’s plans next year if he doesn’t agree a new contract with them.
The midfielder still has just one year remaining on his deal at Goodison Park after failing to reach new terms and appears to be angling for a move away from the Merseyside club.
The Telegraph have previously reported that Barkley could cost as much as £50million to prise away in the summer.
Barkley is a product of the Toffees academy and has racked up 179 senior appearances for them.
He made 39 appearances across all competitions last season, scoring six goals and supplying nine assists in return.
Everton’s number eight was viewed as England’s brightest talent when he emerged as a youngster and has made 22 senior international caps for his nation, but has not played since a cameo role against Australia in May 2016.
Football Insider verdict:
Barkley could do with a move to reignite his career as it appears his adventure at Everton is coming to a close. The 23-year-old is blessed with immense potential and Pochettino could certainly be the man to unearth it. He would add to a strong core of English players at Spurs and be able to fit into their system. However, the north London club do already have the likes of Dele Alli, Christian Eriksen and Heung-Min Son in the attacking positions. Barkley would not be guaranteed a starting spot if he was signed and that is why Pochettino is reserved about the deal. The reported £50million price tag over Barkley’s head is far too high and Spurs should only consider a move if that can be significantly lowered.
In other Tottenham transfer news, Tim Sherwood has urged the club to sign a 16-goal Premier League striker.
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