The Everton midfielder is running out of time to sign a new deal, and Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City have all been mentioned as possible destinations.
Former Aston Villa defender Richard Dunne [right]
Ross Barkley has been advised to join either Arsenal or Tottenham Hotspur by former Everton and Manchester City defender Richard Dunne.
Barkley has been given until the end of the week to sign the new contract offered to him by Everton, or be sold in the coming transfer window.
The boyhood Evertonian has scored five goals and made another nine for Ronald Koeman’s side in this season’s Premier League, but is set to enter the final year of his deal.
London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham have been strongly linked with moves for Barkley, who Everton reportedly value at £50 million.
And a move away from Goodison Park could be what the 23-year-old needs, according to Dunne.
“Certainly for Everton they need a bit more freshness in their team and maybe Ross does, in terms of getting a new club, having to earn a place in a team and not have the comforts of being at home and living in his hometown,” the Irishman told Talksport on Wednesday.
“Maybe he needs to go out and challenge himself and start trying to progress and get a place back in the England team.”
Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure
Asked if Barkley could replace Yaya Toure at Manchester City, Dunne replied: “Maybe an Arsenal or Tottenham will be better for him.
“I think Manchester City will try and sign stronger and maybe better players – players who have won things over the years.
“Barkley is certainly going to move to a big club but I don’t think it will be City. I don’t imagine he will get the games he needs.”
Everton midfielder Ross Barkley
Tottenham or City could have the upper hand in any Barkley pursuit, with Spurs having already secured their place in next season’s Champions League and Pep Guardiola’s men all but there.
Fifth-placed Arsenal are a point and three points behind City and Liverpool respectively heading into Sunday’s season finale against Everton.
Would Arsenal, Tottenham or Manchester City be the best move for Everton’s Barkley?
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