Tottenham will have to fight off “mounting competition” from Chelsea if they are to sign Ross Barkley from Everton this summer, according to The Telegraph.
The midfielder is expected to leave Everton in the coming weeks after refusing to sign a new deal at the end of last season.
Last month, Toffees manager Ronald Koeman all but confirmed Barkley will leave Everton in the current transfer window.
Spurs have been heavily linked, but it is believed a deal is being held up because of Barkley’s wage demands.
There were reports last week that the 23-year-old was offered weekly wage of £120,000 to stay at Everton. Tottenham are apparently not willing to pay Barkley that amount.
However, The Telegraph claims Spurs remain keen on signing the midfielder for around £25 million.
Chelsea’s interest could be a problem though, with the Blues able to offer Barkley a better weekly salary than Tottenham.
Spurs fans will be hoping Barkley looks at Mauricio Pochettino’s record of developing English players when he decides on his next location.
Let’s remember one thing. Barkley was ‘offered’ £120,000 a week, he never received that sum whilst playing at Everton. As for Chelsea, well they are going to buy everybody if you believe the press. It’s for Barkley to decide if he’d be better off at Spurs than warming the pitch-side plastic at Chelsea.
Just as likely that Everton “sources” are talking up the competition to generate a bidding war.
Think he’s made his mind up really where he wants to go already so just waiting for the club to come to agreement on fee
Chelsea or Spurs?
More money or less money?
Champions or runner up?
Posh part of London or worst part of London (and the UK?)
I know who I would prefer to play for, and this is coming from a Spurs fan.
Chelsea buy every players that Spurs target not because they need them, but to block Spurs from the deals