Tottenham Hotspur are said to be lining up a summer bid for Everton midfielder Ross Barkley.
Martin Keown has suggested to the Daily Mail that Ross Barkley should not leave Everton to join Tottenham Hotspur.
Spurs have been linked with Barkley for some time, with Mauricio Pochettino believed to be a big admirer of the attacking midfielder.
Barkley’s contract at Everton is due to expire at the end of next season, which throws his future in to doubt this summer.
Although Everton are desperate to keep hold of Barkley, they do not want to risk losing him on a free transfer in just over a year’s time.
Tottenham are believed to be planning to capitalise on the uncertainty by making an offer for Barkley in the summer transfer window (Daily Mirror).
However, Keown does not believe that Barkley’s development would be best served at White Hart Lane.
The former Arsenal defender said: “There have been suggestions that he could move clubs this summer – Tottenham are interested in signing him. If he wants to be the best he possibly can, he needs to stay with Everton. He’ll develop best there.
“Ross shouldn’t be concerned about the fact he didn’t play for England over the international break. He has a lot to be happy with this season. He’s not a player who should lose his confidence because he didn’t play.”
Barkley struggled for form in the first few weeks of the season at Everton, but he has improved hugely over recent months.
The 23-year-old has scored four goals and claimed seven assists in 27 appearances for Everton this season.
Barkley looks likely to start for Everton tomorrow, when they take on Liverpool in the Merseyside derby at Anfield.
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