Everton are reportedly set to rival Leeds United and Newcastle United in the race to sign Chelsea outcast Ross Barkley.

If a report from TEAMtalk is to be believed, Ross Barkley could soon be on the verge of a move away from Chelsea. The English midfielder has become a subject of interest for multiple clubs across England, including Newcastle United.

In addition to the Magpies, Leeds United and Everton have remained keen on securing the services of the 27-year-old, whose current contract at Stamford Bridge expires in 2023. Chelsea are considering whether or not they should offload the attacker in the upcoming January transfer window, though his suitors prefer a loan move with an option to buy.

Everton’s interest in Barkley is particularly intriguing as the Englishman had initially started his youth career at Goodison Park way back in 2005. He had even featured in almost 200 competitive appearances for the Toffees, registering 27 goals and 28 assists before eventually joining Chelsea in January 2018.

Barkley has endured a tough time since, failing to establish himself as a first-team regular at Chelsea. Despite making almost 100 competitive appearances, the playmaker has fallen down the pecking order and was notably sent to Aston Villa on loan last season.

Agent Barkley with potential recruit Chilwell. (Picture Courtesy - AFP/Getty Images)
Barkley is facing an uncertain future at Chelsea. (Picture Courtesy – AFP/Getty Images)

In fact, it was surprising to see the 27-year-old remaining at Stamford Bridge in the summer. But after making just four Premier League appearances and only one start, the former Everton midfielder could finally be set for a move away from Chelsea, and it appears a return to Goodison Park is a growing possibility.

The midfielder is highly favoured by Everton manager Rafael Benitez as he looks to shore up his team’s creative options in the upcoming January transfer. Everton are not the only ex-club interested in the services of Barkley, though, as Leeds United are also keen on securing a deal for the Chelsea playmaker.

The Whites, with whom Barkley was on a short loan stint, consider the English international as an ideal alternative for Tyler Roberts and Rodrigo Moreno. Barkley can provide some much-needed depth in the attacking midfield position, while his vast experience in English football could be useful for Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa.

Barkley is not the only Chelsea player facing an uncertain future at the club either, as the Blues are also facing a battle to keep hold of Hakim Ziyech, who is a target for Borussia Dortmund. Christian Pulisic and Timo Werner may end up leaving Stamford Bridge sooner or later as well, having emerged as potential targets for several clubs across Europe.

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