Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly set to leapfrog Chelsea to Everton’s Ross Barkley signing when the transfer window reopens in January.
According to Mirror, Chelsea could be part of a losing battle in their pursuit of Ross Barkley. Tottenham, who have been one of the primary suitors for the Everton midfielder, are reportedly ready to outbid their London rivals Chelsea to Barkley’s signature come January.
The 24-year-old England International has just 6 months left on his contract and Everton would resist losing him on a free summer transfer.
Barkley has made 150 club appearances in the league – scoring on 21 occasions while lending a hand (or shall we say leg) in 18 more. Once considered as the hottest properties in English football, his career has been stunted by injuries – the most notable of which was a hamstring injury that has kept him out since the start of Premier League 2017-18 season.
The Englishman is nearing full fitness and has attracted attention of some of the big English clubs. Chelsea FC were close to signing him on deadline day of summer window, only for the deal to fall through over Barkley’s apparent change of mind, with Chelsea landing Leicester’s Danny Drinkwater instead.
Tottenham Hotspur are now confident they will beat Chelsea to the signing of Ross Barkley and complete a move for the player in January.
Ross will be a great addition to our squad. pic.twitter.com/fdDkEMFrF8
— Jules Tottenham Bevis (@julesbevis) December 31, 2017
Chelsea haven’t stepped back and are prepared to come back with an improved offer. However, it seems it’s their London neighbour, Tottenham Hotspur, who have taken the lead in the race.
Tottenham are ready to blow Chelsea out of waters with a substantial bid for the Englishman once the winter transfer window opens. With Dele Alli fading off as of late, Spurs are looking to add a bit of creativity to their lineup and are willing to guarantee Barkley playing time – something that would be an issue if he swaps Goodison Park for Stamford Bridge.
With a lack of regular football in recent times, Barkley could well fancy a move to Pochettino’s side, if money’s not a thing highly rated on his wish-list.
Tottenham are hopeful of negotiating a deal with Everton considering the fact that it’s do-or-die situation for Everton regarding their midfielder. Risking of losing him on a Bosman transfer in the summer, a deal well below what Chelsea were willing to pay (£35 million) last summer, could be on the cards for Everton.
