As the Football Transfer Tavern still comes to terms with the sacking of Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas earlier today, news from the Daily Star has switched attention from London to Manchester.
The paper brings some extra excitement to the tavern by suggesting that Manchester United will fight with Manchester City as they try to land highly rated Everton star Ross Barkley in the summer.
Recent speculation in the bar has indicated that Toffees boss Roberto Martinez is planning to offer the 20-year-old a lucrative deal to keep him at Goodison Park, but after some excellent displays this season both Manchester clubs are now looking to sign the dynamic midfielder.
United boss David Moyes already has a strong working relationship with Barkley after he gave the youngster his debut at Everton and that could see United leading the pursuit.
The paper suggests that Moyes and United chief executive Ed Woodward held talks last week over possible transfer target and Barkley was considered a key figure to sign.
Interestingly the Red Devils could offer Tom Cleverley, who scored for United in their 3-0 victory over Aston Villa yesterday, as part of the deal. The England midfielder has already spent time working under Martinez and it could help soften the blow of losing one of the most promising talents.
However Manuel Pellegrini’s City could now join Moyes in the chase for Barkley, after Citizens scouts were impressed with his recent displays for the Toffees.
Who do you think will capture the Toffees ace? Let us know your thoughts below.
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obvious moyes coz this case is the same with that of alcantara when he was called by gardiola
Straight swap for Gareth Barry…
He won’t leave. Moyes just used him as a loan monkey. Martinez was the one who showed faith in him. With a place in the England team at stake in a world cup year, why would he go to a club were he’ll be under used? He is a starter at Everton, a club, incidently, that’s going places.