Manchester City Will Need to Dig Deep to Sign Ross Barkley
By BR UK News , Featured Columnist
Ross Barkley might have signed a new four-year deal with Everton in July, but that has not stopped the transfer speculation swirling around him once more this week.
Jamie Jackson of The Guardian was among a number of reporters to claim that Manchester City are preparing a summer transfer move for the England international.
According to Jackson, the Etihad Stadium club view Barkley as a possible way around Financial Fair Play rules laid down by UEFA as a home-grown player who could enter the first team immediately after signing.
The 20-year-old is valued at around £30 million by City, although it is unlikely Everton would be willing to sell in any case.
Barkley rose to prominence last season after being handed a run in the first team by manager Roberto Martinez.
His performances for the Toffees also saw him earn a call-up to the England World Cup squad, and he featured in all three of the Three Lions' matches at the tournament.
Jackson claims that City made enquiries for the midfielder in the summer but were put off by the Merseysiders' £50 million valuation.
City manager Manuel Pellegrini will be aware his current squad is at a peak age. With Yaya Toure now aged 31, the need to look to the future in midfield is becoming more important.
But his chances of landing Barkley will depend on Everton's willingness to sell and the player's own wishes.
Believability Meter: Low
The number of newspapers reporting this transfer link on Tuesday suggests something is in the air, and there may well have been a briefing somewhere along the line.
However, Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has also been linked with a move for Barkley, as Anthony Chapman of the Daily Express reported, and a bidding war may be on the horizon in the unlikely event that the player will be allowed to leave Everton.