Tottenham Hotspur are said to be interested in signing Everton midfielder Ross Barkley.
According to the Daily Mirror, Everton could allow Ross Barkley to run his contract down at Goodison Park.
Everton are looking for £50 million for the attacking midfielder, who is reportedly refusing to sign a new deal.
Everton were prepared to make Barkley the highest paid player in the club’s history, but he has informed the club that he won’t be penning a new deal.
Everton are now playing hard-ball with the England international, as they do not want to sell him on the cheap.
The Toffees are said to be demanding £50 million, which could put both Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United off.
Everton are said to be willing to lose Barkley on a Bosman next summer, but that decision is unlikely to suit anyone.
Not only would Barkley be wasting a year of his career, but Everton would also be missing out on the chance to receive a significant fee for the 23-year-old.
Everton could still receive a healthy amount of money for Barkley if they sold now, which could be re-invested into their squad.
But, by operating with such a tough negotiating stance, they are in danger of losing Barkley for little to no money.
That would not suit anyone involved, and although Everton may be frustrated that Barkley won’t sign a new deal, the best thing for everyone involved is simply to cut ties and move on this summer.
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