Jamie Redknapp believes Ross Barkley will leave Everton, with Spurs linked.
Everton’s Ross Barkley celebrates
Pundit Jamie Redknapp has told Sky Sports that he thinks Ross Barkley could be on his way out of Everton this summer, with Tottenham allegedly keen.
Barkley, 23, has come up through the ranks with Everton having joined the club at the age of just 11 in 2005, and is the most high-profile player to come through the Everton academy since Wayne Rooney.
The midfielder has endured his ups and downs during his time in the Everton first team, as he registered just two goals and two assists in the Premier League during the 2014/15 season, but hit back eight goals and eight assists last term.
Now under the tutelage of Ronald Koeman, Barkley has had spells out of the Everton side, but has been impressive recently, notching four assists and two goals in his last ten appearances.
Whilst Everton look set to tie Romelu Lukaku down to a new contract, there remains a certain element of confusion over Barkley’s future, as his deal expires at the end of next season, when he can walk away from Goodison Park.
Clubs will be aware that Barkley is entering the final year of his contract this summer, and with a deal at least possible this summer, The Telegraph report that Tottenham Hotspur are keen to sign Barkley.
Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp
Now, former Spurs midfielder and current pundit Jamie Redknapp has told Sky Sports that having spoken to Barkley last week, he feels that the midfielder realises he must improve and grow as he approaches a key stage of his career.
Redknapp also believes that Barkley will move on with his contract running down – and Spurs may well try their luck with a move this summer.
“I was with Ross Barkley this week, what I noticed is that there is a lot of self-analysis going on, trying to improve, realising he needs to get better,” said Redknapp. “He’s got 18 months left on his contract, he’s in a great position, I personally think he’ll move on. I’m not sure he’ll stay at Everton now,” he added.
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