According to Talk Chelsea writer Simon Phillips, West Ham United are ‘interested’ in a move for Ross Barkley this summer.

The Lowdown: Chelsea open to Barkley exit

The midfielder has now entered the final year of his deal at Stamford Bridge, and after falling significantly down the pecking order under Thomas Tuchel ever since Conor Gallagher’s return from Premier League rivals Crystal Palace, an exit appears to be getting more likely by the day.

It was reported last month that the Blues are willing to let the 28-year-old leave the club before September 1 if the right offer comes in, and following a fresh update, it sounds as if there could be some attention from across the capital at the London Stadium.

The Latest: West Ham ‘interested’ in Barkley

Taking to Twitter, Phillips revealed that West Ham are in the race to sign Barkley this window.

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However, they will face strong competition from a host of other clubs for his services. He wrote:

“Ross Barkley has an offer from Celtic (permanent). Other clubs still interested - Brighton, Newcastle, West Ham, Aston Villa and Everton. Will leave this window.”

The Verdict: One to avoid?

The Irons have lost their opening two games of the new season, but they mustn’t start to panic and go for players who wouldn’t necessarily improve their current squad, and Barkley is arguably one of those to avoid despite being called 'quality' just last season by Thomas Tuchel.

Last season, the £110,000-per-week ace only made one league start for Chelsea, so would likely require a lot of time to get back up to speed, not to mention the price tag that the Blues would stick on his head.

David Moyes would arguably only use Barkley as a backup to Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek in the middle of the park, so this pursuit is one that the Hammers should look at ending as soon as possible.