Report: West Ham want Ross Barkley amid Aston Villa decision

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West Ham United are interested in signing Ross Barkley this summer, with Teamtalk reporting that Aston Villa have decided that they do not plan to make a bid to keep the attacking midfielder permanently.

Barkley’s loan spell at Villa Park looks set to fizzle out. He marked his first two appearances for the Villans with two goals. And he went on to score the winner at Southampton in late January.

However, he has not kicked on from there. The 27-year-old – who is on around £96,000-a-week, according to Spotrac – has not scored or provided an assist since that game. And it appears that that has put Villa off trying to extend his stay.

According to TEAMtalk, Dean Smith’s men have told Chelsea that they do not want to sign Barkley on a permanent deal.

The encouraging news for Barkley however, is he appears to have other admirers. According to TEAMtalk, David Moyes wants the England international at the London Stadium.

TBR View: History may be about to repeat itself

Some West Ham fans may be concerned about the links with Barkley. But perhaps there is a very obvious reason why they should not write him off if he does join the Hammers.

Few could have foreseen just how good Jesse Lingard would be at the London Stadium. But the 28-year-old has now scored eight goals in nine games.

His form has helped put West Ham on the cusp of finishing in the top four this season.

Like Lingard, Barkley is a player Moyes has previously worked with. He is also a player who seems to have lost his way after previously being a key man in the Premier League.

Villa fans saw glimpses of what Barkley can do. Perhaps West Ham may look to be the ones to really get him back to his best.