West Ham United have been linked with a bold move for the Everton midfielder this summer.
According to a report from the Daily Star, West Ham United are prepared to pay Ross Barkley £140,000 a week if he signs from Everton this summer, and if the Hammers can seal a deal it would be a huge statement of intent.
There is no doubt West Ham have under-performed this season, with much of that down to the uninspired summer signings of 2016.
But the addition of Barkley would be a considerable step in the right direction, and the reported contract offer shows that West Ham mean business this time round.
Their fans will be hoping that the days of signing the likes of Simone Zaza, Jonathan Calleri and Alvaro Arbeloa are behind them, and although Barkley will have no shortage of suitors if he does leave Everton for pastures new, the very fact West Ham are willing to back up their interest with a sizable wage packet speaks volumes.
With the Star reporting that Barkley’s failure to sign a new deal this season has seen Everton prepare for his exit, the Hammers have wasted little time making their interest known, and if they can sign Barkley and a couple more quality players, the future will look increasingly bright at the London Stadium.
Offering a player a lucrative contract and convincing them to sign on the dotted line are two very different things. However, it could be very exciting times for West Ham and their supporters if they can push this deal over the line.
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