Tottenham have cooled their interest in Everton playmaker Ross Barkley as the North London side questions whether he is needed at the club, according to the Mirror.
The newspaper reports on its website that Spurs have reservations over the 23-year-old’s ability to perform consistently, and are doubtful as to whether they need another attacking midfielder with Dele Alli in fine form for both club and country.
Barkley is set to be out of contract next summer, and has so far refused to sign a new contract at Goodison Park, with Spurs reported by the Telegraph to be the club leading the way for his signature.
However, the news of Spurs’ doubts will come as a blow to both Everton, who would have been hoping to offload Barkley for the £50million they value him at, according to the Telegraph, and the player himself, who has appeared to be angling for a move away from the Merseyside club.
The 23-year-old midfielder proved an important player for the Toffees last season, making 36 league appearances out of a possible 38 and scoring five goals on the way to a seventh placed finish.
However, following his contract refusal, Barkley’s position at Everton appears untenable, and Ronald Koeman has already gone about securing players to replace the 22-time-capped England international, signing Dutch international midfielder Davy Klaassen for £23.6million.