Everton are linked to Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney, so what would become of Ross Barkley.
Everton’s Ross Barkley in action
According to The Express, Everton ace Ross Barkley is one of three players Tottenham Hotspur are targeting for a summer transfer.
Barkley has made 22 out of 26 league starts this season for the Toffees, scoring four goals and providing five assists, but disappointing form early in the campaign saw him dropped from the England squad.
Everton do not have any need to sell the attacker, but this could change if they go ahead with plans to bring Wayne Rooney back to Goodison Park.
SkySports report Rooney is considering a return, with Everton boss Ronald Koeman stating this week he was keen on the idea, believing the forward could have up to three years left at the top level.
Barkley is a player in a similar mould to Rooney, and the duo could end up competing for position.
It has been clear over the past few years that Rooney has lacked effectiveness as a central striker, and has played as a number 10.
When he has featured at United this season it has been to compliment Zlatan Ibrahimovic rather than replace him, and this could continue at Everton if he can pair up with Romelu Lukaku.
With Rooney at number 10, it is tough to see Barkley fitting into the same starting role for the Toffees, a problem the Everton man has found during his time in the England squad.
Rooney’s arrival could then be a boost to Tottenham’s ambitions to land Barkley later down the line if the 23-year-old gets frustrated with a lack of action, but it might be enough to encourage Spurs in their efforts to land him this summer too.
Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney shoots at goal
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