Everton reportedly want £50million for playmaker Ross Barkley this summer.
General view inside Goodison Park
According to The Telegraph, Everton have slapped an asking price of £50million on midfielder Ross Barkley, with his contract situation still to be resolved.
Barkley, 23, has come up through the ranks at Goodison Park, and has arguably been Everton’s greatest youth product since Wayne Rooney.
The midfielder has notched six goals and eight assists in all competitions this season, and the England international has now hit 27 goals in almost 200 games for the Toffees.
Many feel that Barkley still has some way to go in terms of his decision making in the final third, but he has enjoyed a largely positive season under Ronald Koeman this term – and it could be his last under the Dutchman.
Everton’s Ross Barkley in action
Barkley’s contract with Everton expires in 2018, and Koeman told BBC Sport last week that unless the midfielder agreed a new deal by the end of the season, he would be sold before he walks away in a year’s time.
Now, The Telegraph report that Barkley is unlikely to agree a new contract by Koeman’s deadline, and Everton are now preparing to sell him this summer – but for an astronomical fee of £50million.
Everton’s Ross Barkley
It’s stated that Everton have a number of reasons for such a huge asking price; not only are they expecting a similar fee to what they sold John Stones to Manchester City for last summer, but they also think his current reputation, his age and the calibre of clubs interested mean £50million is a fair price.
Tottenham Hotspur have been mentioned as a likely suitor, but it’s hard to see them paying £50million for him. With Everton refusing to reduce their asking price even as Barkley enters the final year of his deal, we could be set for an interesting summer regarding Barkley’s future, with both player and club seemingly sticking to their guns.
Would you pay £50million for Barkley?
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