Why Everton’s Ross Barkley could be an astute signing for Tottenham Hotspur

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Tottenham Hotspur’s quiet summer on the transfer front could be about to spark into life. According to the Mirror, boss Mauricio Pochettino is interested in bringing in Everton’s Ross Barkley, along with Suso of AC Milan, as he seeks midfield reinforcements.

Spurs secured their highest ever Premier League finish last season, but Pochettino is aware that with his rivals already splashing the cash, his club cannot afford to be left behind.

Barkley has long been linked with the north London outfit and seems likely to be on his way out of Everton after failing to agree a new contract. The 23-year-old was subjected to criticism by manager Ronald Koeman last season and lost his place in the England squad under Gareth Southgate.

Barkley has one year left on his current deal at Goodison Park but in light of the capture of Davy Klaasen from Ajax and continued interest in Swansea’s Gylfi Sigurdsson, Koeman seems to be preparing for life without him. The Mirror reports that Everton value their academy graduate at £25 million.

At first glance, the Barkley link appears curious given that he plays in the same position as Dele Alli, whose form and rapport with Harry Kane were key reasons behind Spurs’ success last term. But Pochettino is clearly looking to add more quality and depth to his squad and is wary of the impact injuries could have on his attacking resources.

Tottenham were relatively fortunate last season not to lose Alli or Christian Eriksen, their two most creative players, for an extended period of time. Barkley would add guile and a goal threat.

Barkley, a boyhood Evertonian, is undoubtedly gifted and was even described as the next Paul Gascoigne by former Toffees manager Roberto Martinez, when he burst on to the scene four years ago.

It’s fair to say his career has not developed as he would have hoped – perhaps the pressure heaped on him at an early age has been too much to bear. A new challenge may be just what he needs to realise his potential and there are fewer better managers at nurturing young talent than Pochettino.

£25 million would represent a good price for a player whose value is certain to rise in the future.