Tottenham are lining up a January bid for Everton playmaker Ross Barkley, according to the Express.
The newspaper claim that the north Londoners are set to make a double swoop in the forthcoming window for Barkley and his fellow England international Luke Shaw.
The Express report that manager Mauricio Pochettino has sanctioned a move for Barkley as Spurs look to make reinforcements following a mixed opening half of the campaign.
It is said that Tottenham will battle Chelsea for the signature of the 24-year-old and that their timing is perfect, as he will be ready for first-team action in time for the transfer window after undergoing hamstring surgery.
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.
This Is Futbol rating: 8/10
Likely to happen?
It is highly probable, yes. Barkley is out of contract at Everton next summer and has made it clear he will not sign a new deal. The arrival of Sam Allardyce, who has reinvigorated the Toffees, is unlikely to have changed his desire for a new club and upwardly mobile Tottenham appear a good fit.
This Is Futbol rating: 7/10