Everton midfielder Ross Barkley is “desperate” to join Tottenham to reignite his career, according to the Evening Standard.
The newspaper claim that Barkley, 23, has an eye on a move to Spurs in order to work with their manager Mauricio Pochettino.
The Standard report that the 22-times England international believes the highly regarded Argentine, who has a reputation for developing young players into superstars, will “improve him and boost his ailing international career”.
It has been reported in recent times that Mauricio Pochettino has his eye on Barkley as a replacement for Mousa Dembele, who is struggling with a foot problem.
Barkley, who is out injured with a groin problem and has not yet played this season, rejected a deadline-day transfer to Chelsea after a £35million fee was agreed with Everton.
OPINION
Pochettino is said to regard Barkley as a player who can be moulded into a deep-lying playmaker from a central position. The playmaker 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. 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 attacker can be converted into a dazzling midfield string-puller.