Gabby Agbonlahor has dropped a big transfer claim on Ross Barkley amid links to a move to Newcastle United in the summer window.
The Lowdown: Newcastle eye Barkley
As per The Athletic, the Magpies would be interested in signing the Chelsea midfielder should he be made available for sale.
He spent the 2020/21 season on loan at Aston Villa, but it does not seem as if Dean Smith's team are seeking to sign him on a permanent deal.
The Latest: Agbonlahor backs Barkley to Newcastle
Speaking to Football Insider, former Aston Villa striker Agbonlahor has backed a potential move for Barkley to the northeast, saying:
“I think it would be a good fit. Steve Bruce would get the best out of him.
“Ross Barkley needs to go somewhere now, he’s at a crossroads in his career, he’s 27. He needs to go somewhere and have a really good season, not just a few months like he did at Villa.
“It could be the perfect move for him to go play week in, week out.”
The Verdict: Barkley move makes sense
Barkley admittedly did not have the best of campaigns while on loan at Villa Park, scoring just three times and supplying a mere one assist in 24 Premier League matches, but it was also a season which was scuppered by injury for the 27-year-old (Transfermarkt).
If he can put his injury woes aside, Barkley could still have a lot to offer to Newcastle as, at 27 years of age, he should be just about entering his prime.
Callum Wilson has even admitted that the midfielder is someone with whom he would like to play, having dubbed him as ‘unbelievable’ on The Super 6 podcast (via HITC) back in February.
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With Joe Willock not guaranteed to sign permanently from Arsenal, bringing in Barkley would certainly seem to make a lot of sense for the Magpies.
In other news, find out what Mike Ashley insight Lee Ryder has shared on the Premier League and their chances of winning both takeover cases.