Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho could make a late approach to sign Everton midfielder Ross Barkley this summer. The England international has just a year left on his Toffees contract, and he is expected to pursue a new club before the transfer deadline.
According to The Mirror, the Red Devils could revive their interest in Barkley during the dying stages of the transfer window, should the Toffees lower their £50m valuation. The Merseyside oufit have been reluctant to reduce their asking price for their versatile midfielder, and this has put off the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea from making an offer.
On top of this, Barkley is said to demand a weekly wage package of around £150,000 a week, and this has prevented his suitors from considering an approach in the current transfer window. As per The Mirror, United would only be willing to spend around £20m on Barkley as he is unlikely to gain a regular role in the starting lineup.
Mourinho is currently on the search for a new central midfielder, and Barkley could slot into the position, should the manager find no suitable signing over the course of the transfer window. The Special One feels that Barkley could progress into a top-class prospect at Old Trafford, and the club are prepared to take a risk, should the Toffees oblige to their approach.
Barkley will play no part for Everton for the next four weeks after he underwent a surgery on his groin which has ruled out of the club’s pre-season tours of Tanzania and the Netherlands as well as the third qualifying round of the Europa League.
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