Tottenham Hotspur are still trying to push through a deal for Everton’s Ross Barkley.
Barkley has generally been stationed as a number 10 throughout his career so far, but Mauricio Pochettino wants to use the England international in a slighter deeper role.
If Barkley was brought to Spurs, he would be in competition with Dembele for the shirt.
The role would provide Barkley with more defensive responsibility than he is used to, but Pochettino believes the 23-year-old could thrive in the position.
Although any deal to take Barkley to Spurs is still some way off, his arrival could be bad news for Josh Onomah.
Onomah has always been seen as Dembele’s long-term successor by Spurs’ coaches.
The youngster possesses a great deal of power, and a good range of passing.
However, if Barkley does arrive, Onomah will have another obstacle placed in his route into Spurs’ first-team.
Pochettino has always handed Spurs’ prospects chances, if they are good enough, but Onomah’s opportunities could be more limited if Barkley was to arrive.
Barkley is only three years Onomah’s senior, and if Pochettino sees the Everton man as Dembele’s long-term successor, then there has to be questions asked about where he plans to use Onomah in future.
And although Barkley’s addition at Spurs would be welcomed by most, it may not be good news for everyone at the North London club.
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