Tottenham are braced for a big-money auction with Chelsea in January for Everton playmaker Ross Barkley, according to the Mirror.
The newspaper claim that the Premier League champions are plotting a bid for Barkley despite failing to sign him in the summer window when he snubbed a deadline-day transfer.
The Mirror report that Spurs are also still keen on the England international and a “big money auction” is set to take place as the two clubs set their sights on a deal.
It is said that Chelsea’s interest “will at least guarantee a big-money auction” as Everton are likely to sell the 23-year-old in the winter window rather than risk losing him for nothing when his contract expires next summer.
Barkley is set to return in December from the hamstring injury that has sidelined him for the entirety of the season.
Good move for Tottenham?
Yes. Mauricio Pochettino has the man-management skills to take Barkley’s game to a new level. The word is that the Spurs manager is keen to transform Barkley from an attacking player into a deep-lying playmaker who builds attacks rather than finishes them. If Barkley can be developed into an effective long-term replacement for Mousa Dembele, it would be money well spent for Spurs. The attacker can be converted into a dazzling midfield string-puller but he must show a greater adaptability and willingness to learn that he has in the past.
This Is Futbol rating: 8/10
Likely to happen?
Reports of Chelsea refusing to be put off by their failed summer pursuit, when a £35million fee was agreed with Everton before the player had a last-minute change of heart, is intriguing. It is also a concern for Spurs. They have the Pochettino factor, a manager with an excellent track record of developing players, but Chelsea have deeper pockets. This is shaping into a ding-dong battle, although Tottenham appear a good fit for Barkley.
This Is Futbol rating: 7/10