Manchester City and Chelsea fans in the Football Transfer Tavern are getting excited after the Daily Star Sunday linked them with a £50m move for Everton star Ross Barkley.
The highly talented 21-year-old has been on the books of the top clubs in England since his arrival to the Premier League, but now it looks like a bidding war is about to begin.
City were hoping to clinch him in a deal around £30m but instead the Toffees are demanding an extra £20m.
Despite Everton’s low position in the league table Roberto Martinez refuses to lower the asking price.
Martinez clearly does not want to lose this gem from his line up, but if he is sold, then it would give Everton a huge sum of money to rebuild their squad.
Barkley’s fellow England international, Phil Jagielka, is well aware of his teammates ability and the presence he has around Goodison Park.
The central defender said: “We love having him around – he is a massive threat.
“It has been difficult for Ross because it’s always hard to play in a team that is not playing well.
“This season will be one that he may not want to write about but it will be one that will make him a better player.”
