Tottenham are planning for life after Mousa Dembele by preparing to launch a fresh bid to sign Everton’s Ross Barkley, according to ESPN FC.
The football site claim that Spurs are once again targeting Barkley after failing to follow up their interest in the summer with a concerted move for the England international.
ESPN FC report that manager Mauricio Pochettino has his eye on the Everton 23-year-old as a replacement for Dembele, who is struggling with a foot problem.
It is said that Tottenham are eyeing a £30million move in January for Barkley, who rejected a deadline-day transfer to Chelsea after a £35million fee was agreed with the Merseysiders.
Dembele is doubtful for Tuesday’s Champions League game at APOEL Nicosia and the Premier League trip to Huddersfield next weekend after missing Spurs’ win over West Ham last Saturday.
Good move for Tottenham?
Spurs fans might be aghast at the thought of attacking midfielder Barkley being regarded as a medium-term replacement for their central midfield rock Dembele. But Pochettino is said to regard the Everton man, currently out injured, as a player who can be moulded into a deep-lying playmaker from a central position. Barkley is technically excellent, mobile and strong and can carry the ball long distances, but must learn to control a game and not just operate in fits and starts. Pochettino’s judgement and eye for a player is respected by the White Hart Lane faithful and they will be happy to bow to their manager’s vision.
This Is Futbol rating: 7/10
Likely to happen?
Yes, there is a real possibility. With Chelsea out of the running following their failed deadline-day pursuit, the path is clearer for Tottenham to make another concerted attempt to sign Barkley after being so strongly linked with him during the summer window. The numbers will need to add up, but Barkley is out of contract next summer, and could be snapped up for a bargain fee.
This Is Futbol rating: 7/10