---
title: "Newcastle: Magpies interested in Ross Barkley"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/newcastle-magpies-interested-in-ross-barkley/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "David Comerford"
section: "Newcastle United"
published: "2021-07-26T14:10:53Z"
modified: "2021-07-26T14:10:53Z"
---

# Newcastle: Magpies interested in Ross Barkley

**Newcastle United ‘hold an interest’ in Chelsea’s Ross Barkley and the deal may not be contingent on their pursuit of Joe Willock.**

That’s according to Chris Waugh, the club’s correspondent for [The Athletic](https://theathletic.com/2714997/2021/07/24/willock-gallagher-cajuste-choudhury-why-midfield-remains-newcastles-priority-in-transfer-window/).

### The lowdown

Barkley spent the 2020/21 season on loan at Aston Villa, scoring three goals and providing one assist in 18 Premier League starts (via [WhoScored](https://www.whoscored.com/Players/92547/Show/Ross-Barkley)). The Englishman averaged [1.6 key passes](https://www.whoscored.com/Players/92547/Show/Ross-Barkley) per game for Dean Smith’s side, [beating every Newcastle player](https://www.whoscored.com/Teams/23/Show/England-Newcastle-United) in that department.

The 33-cap ace has two years left on his contract at Stamford Bridge and is valued at £18m by [Transfermarkt](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/ross-barkley/profil/spieler/131978). Former Chelsea manager Frank Lampard [described](https://www.goal.com/en/news/lampard-first-class-barkley-dedicated-to-chelsea-cause/16mm4uppw1iaj13fn791r5d8g8) Barkley’s attitude as ‘first class’ and said that he was able to fulfil a ‘very complete role’.

### The latest

[The Athletic](https://theathletic.com/2714997/2021/07/24/willock-gallagher-cajuste-choudhury-why-midfield-remains-newcastles-priority-in-transfer-window/) claimed that Newcastle have identified the 27-year-old as a possible target, but ‘not solely as a back-up’ if they miss out on former loanee Willock. The Magpies want to bring the Arsenal man back to St James’ Park but they are waiting to see whether Mikel Arteta will sanction the move.

It’s ‘likely’ that only one ‘advanced’ midfield option will be recruited, but ‘additional reinforcements would be welcomed’

### The verdict

Barkley is probably one for Newcastle to avoid. He made a flying start at Villa last season, looking briefly like the player who was [so impressive at Everton](https://www.whoscored.com/Players/92547/History/Ross-Barkley).

However, his performance levels dipped as the campaign progressed, and he fell well short of the [stated goal](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/12016/12108239/ross-barkley-aston-villa-boss-dean-smith-promised-chelsea-midfielder-spot-at-euro-2020-with-england) of breaking back into the England squad.

Barkley is currently earning [£96,000 per week](https://www.spotrac.com/epl/chelsea-fc/ross-barkley-22763/), and unless Newcastle could agree to split the cost with Chelsea, that would make him their [highest-paid player](https://www.spotrac.com/epl/newcastle-united-fc/payroll/).

Ultimately, there must be more potent and reliable midfield options out there who they could bring in.

**In other news, [Newcastle are also keen on one of Willock’s team-mates](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/newcastle-united-transfer-rumours/ainsley-maitland-niles-southampton-burnley-arsenal/).**