Tottenham Hotspur are said to have balked at Everton’s amended £25million price tag for the midfielder?
According to a report from the Mirror, Tottenham Hotspur are refusing to pay £25million for Everton midfielder Ross Barkley, but Spurs could be playing a risky game considering just how low the player’s value has already dropped.
It was only five weeks ago that the Telegraph claimed Everton wanted £50million for the 23-year-old, but despite now seemingly being willing to take half that price, the Toffees will not want to drop much lower given the player’s undeniable talent and potential re-sale value.
Everton are caught in a tough position, however Tottenham may be foolish to simply wait this one out and attempt to go in with a low-ball offer on deadline day.
If it works it could be a masterstroke from Spurs chairman Daniel Levy. But an alternative scenario could see another Premier League side swoop in knowing that a player of Barkley’s quality is well worth a £25million investment.
Everton’s initialy asking price was always going to be too much for a player with just a year left on his contract. But if they are now seeking around half that amount, it will not just be Tottenham who are eagerly waiting to pounce.
Barkley may have struggled to fulfil his potential thus far, yet he is still young and at the right club he could blossom into a superstar.
That could be at Tottenham, but the North London side are unlikely to get him for under the £20million mark, and it will be interesting to see if their patience pays off or if they are left to regret seeking a further discount on a player who already represents a bargain.
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