Everton have been offered the opportunity to sign Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley and manager Frank Lampard believes the player still has ‘huge potential’, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

The Lowdown: Barkley’s Everton career

After graduating from the Toffees academy, the 28-year-old went on to make 179 appearances for the Blues, where he contributed 27 goals and 28 assists.

In January of 2018, Chelsea, who were the Premier League champions at the time, signed Barkley for £15m, and the player went on to make 99 appearances for the West London club.

However, Thomas Tuchel doesn’t appear to be a huge fan of the former England international, as he made just 14 appearances last season under the German coach.

The Latest: Jacobs’ claim

After it was reported that Everton had been offered the chance to sign Barkley this summer, Jacobs weighed in on the situation.

Taking to an interview with EFC Daily, the journalist claimed:

"Ross Barkley is available, and Frank Lampard believes he still has huge potential.

"Barkley is only 28 and hoping to find a club that plays to his strengths. During his first Everton spell he contributed with far more goals than at Chelsea, where his game-time has been limited for the past few seasons.

"Everton and Aston Villa have both been offered Barkley. The reason for this is Chelsea want to get Barkley off the wage bill."

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The Verdict: Good signing

Whilst in charge at Chelsea, Lampard was very complimentary of Barkley. After a period of fine form from the midfielder, the manager claimed: “He has got great quality and I knew that. I think what he is doing is he is playing a very complete role. Obviously, he always has that goal threat with his technical qualities: right and left foot, great strikes.”

With limited game time available at Stamford Bridge now, the 28-year-old would surely be keen on a move away, and as Lampard looks to add goals to Everton’s front-line, the arrival of Barkley at Goodison Park could once again be a good match.