Manchester United will almost certainly need a midfield dynamo to take them to the next stage of their development. But when you hear about the sort of figures mooted for potential targets – Roma have said in the past that they wouldn’t sell Kevin Strootman for less than £75m and Arturo Vidal’s fee was reported to be around £40m – then it occurs to us that Manchester United should just go for Ross Barkley.
He would not be an easy man to sign. He loves his club and seems very settled right now. If and when he does become available there will be a serious clamour for his signature which will push the price sky high.
Why? Because this is the best young player in Europe. Players like Raheem Sterling may be more exciting and pacey. But Barkley is the sort of guy that can dominate games for a decade – drag his side through thick and thin with his drive, game intelligence, power and pace.
In terms of potential influence we think that the lad is very similar to Wayne Rooney. And without the scouser how many fewer trophies would Manchester United have won? Far fewer is our answer. Because Rooney marries guile with grit, craft with graft so well that he’s been a priceless asset for the most successful English club.
The reason why everyone wants Barkley is because he can have the same effect for a club – become the talisman of a serial champion.
Anyway, he’s apparently back on the radar today as The Metro reports that United will bid for he and Seamus Coleman:
Manchester United working on £60m transfer deal for Everton duo Ross Barkley and Seamus Coleman
Let’s see some Barkley highlights. Manchester United fans: gettable?
