Brighton join Newcastle, Leeds and Everton in race for Chelsea player - report

By Giuseppe Labellarte

Newcastle United, Leeds United and Everton have been linked with Chelsea’s Ross Barkley in recent months.

Eddie Howe’s Magpies and Marcelo Bielsa’s Whites are in need of bolstering their ranks.

Both Newcastle and Leeds are struggling in the Premier League and have numerous players out of action.

Likewise, Rafa Benitez hasn’t had the best start to life at Everton, with the Toffees currently 15th in the table.

And according to TEAMtalk, Newcastle, Leeds and Everton have reportedly been joined by Brighton in the race to land Barkley.

The 33-cap England international has found life tough at Chelsea following his £15m move from Everton in 2018.

Barkley has only made one Premier League start under Thomas Tuchel this season.

Overall, he has made just 11 appearances in all competitions – with a mere 404 minutes – under his belt.

TEAMtalk claims Barkley’s club is yet to give a firm decision on whether to let him go, but one is imminent.

However, those clubs showing interest believe he is likely to be available, added the report.

Everton are apparently eager to snap their former player up on loan, but they have competition.

Barkley, meanwhile, still believes he is capable of earning an England recall ahead of the 2022 World Cup.

However, he knows he needs to be playing on a more regular basis to catch Gareth Southgate’s eye.