It’s in both Everton and Tottenham’s interest to get a deal for Ross Barkley done before the start of the season.
The playmaker has just a year left on his contract and hasn’t committed to an extension, paving the way for his departure this summer.
Spurs, meanwhile, are on the hunt for an attacking midfielder, yet they seem to have made little progress in the negotiations for the England international.
The Mirror have detailed some of the stumbling blocks that have been postponing a deal, claiming the Lilywhites think the 23-year-old should be available for just £15million given his contract situation. Naturally, Everton think that’s ludicrous as they are holding out for £50m, so it remains to be seen how they will meet in the middle.
Personal terms are also proving an issue. The same newspaper have it that Barkley is demanding £150,000 a week to move to north London – which is more than the wages of star striker Harry Kane or captain Hugo Lloris.
Daniel Levy’s stance on wages is well known, and Barkley’s representatives must be aware that they’re never going to win that particular battle. In fact, Spurs fans aren’t buying the reports that Barkley asked for those sums at all.
Check out some of the reaction below:
Absolute nonsense story that Ross Barkley is demanding 150k a week to sign for #THFC. Player knows he wouldn't get it & isn't seeking it.
— Marc Benamram (@MarcBenamram) July 18, 2017
No way Barkley rumour is true that he is haggling to be the top earner. If there was any truth, plug would've been pulled ages ago #COYS
— Ryan Alex (@Major_Hank) July 19, 2017
Why are people selectively choosing to take this as gospel, but criticise the Mirror for other reports, thus jumping on Barkley's back? https://t.co/rREuiNkIiA
— Nikhil Saglani (@Nikhil_Saglani) July 18, 2017
#THFC Barkley wants 150K? I find that unlikely, he'll know our wage structure. But if true he'll never ever be signed.
— Stuart Peel (@JedLomax) July 19, 2017
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