Steve Howey has alleged Ross Barkley will only be able to secure a loan switch to Newcastle United if Chelsea agree to continue paying a large chunk of his wages.

Barkley was left out of the Blues' matchday squad for their Premier League win over Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Instead, the former Everton midfielder was left to settle for featuring in a behind-closed-doors friendly with non-league side Weymouth.

Barkley's Chelsea career has not gone to plan since joining in a £15million deal three-and-a-half years ago, with the England international making just 86 appearances.

The 27-year-old suffered another blow ahead of the Premier League curtain-raiser after being left without a squad number.

Barkley - who has two years remaining on his £96,154-per-week contract at Stamford Bridge - has been linked with a host of Premier League clubs throughout the transfer window, with Newcastle, West Ham United and Everton among his suitors.

But Howey believes Newcastle do not have the funds needed to secure Barkley's services and thinks he will only be heading to St James' Park if Chelsea offer support.

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, former Magpies defender Howey said: "I think he would be on big money and I don't think Newcastle would be prepared to pay that amount of money.

"On his day, he is a very good player but he has kind of lost his way a little bit. He was excellent at Everton and got a big-money move but it didn't quite work and he never forced his way in.

"Unless Chelsea would pay half of his wages, I don't think Newcastle would touch him."