Phil Neville believes Everton fans are partly to blame for Ross Barkley’s loss of form

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Everton are set to sell Ross Barkley this summer, with Tottenham Hotspur the most likely buyers.

Phil Neville has told The Debate, which was broadcast on Sky Sports Main Event on 9th August, that Everton supporters can be partly to blame for Ross Barkley’s indifferent form.

Neville feels that Everton supporters got on Barkley’s back, which caused the attacking midfielder to try too hard to impress.

As a result, Barkley’s form dipped and he visibly appeared to lose confidence.

The England international lost his place in the Three Lions’ squad, and struggled at times last term.

And Neville feels that a fresh start may be required to get Barkley back to his best.

The former Everton defender said: “I think there was a period at Everton when the supporters got on his back. He was trying too hard at times.

“He so desperately wanted to score goals, play well, be the star and play for England. The England thing was a killer for him. He went to a major championship, England didn’t play well, and he didn’t kick a ball. He took a hell of a confidence battering.”

Ronald Koeman has already confirmed that Barkley won’t be an Everton player beyond this summer, after he refused to pen a new contract at Goodison Park.

Barkley is heavily linked with Tottenham Hotspur in the Daily Mail, but Mauricio Pochettino’s side are refusing to meet Everton’s asking price at this moment in time.

Barkley scored five goals and created nine assists in 36 Premier League matches last season.