Tottenham will have to step up their interest in Everton midfielder Ross Barkley next month or risk facing competition from Arsenal and Chelsea at the end of the season, reports The Daily Telegraph.
Barkley’s long-term future at Everton has been called into question following a turbulent start to life under Ronald Koeman at Goodison Park and Tottenham are reportedly interested in making a January move for the attacking midfielder.
The 23-year-old only has 18 months remaining on his existing deal with Everton and Spurs have been given encouragement ahead of the transfer window that Koeman may be willing to sell if the price is right.
However, with Arsenal and Chelsea also monitoring Barkley’s situation, the England international may put his long-term future on hold until the summer, which would certainly make it harder for Spurs to sign the Everton No.8.
Barkley has started 14 of Everton’s 18 league matches this season but has not only been left out of some of their big matches, but his performances have been publicly criticised by Koeman.
In the last three Premier League campaigns Barkley has completed at least 78 more dribbles than any other Everton player (194).
For more stats on Ross Barkley, click here to visit his WhoScored player page
