It has emerged today that Merseyside rivals Liverpool will make a shock move for Everton starlet Ross Barkley in the summer.
It is understood that Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is willing to break the clubs transfer record in order to secure the signature of the England youngster, with a bid of up to £38 million pounds to be tabled. However, Rodgers knows that this may become more difficult, as a whole host of clubs have been linked with Barkley over the past couple of months, such as rivals Manchester United and Chelsea.
With Champions League qualification, Liverpool will certainly be willing to strengthen in the summer, and it seems Ross Barkley (who is an Everton supporter) is one of thier main targets. Everton boss, Roberto Martinez, insisted earlier in the season that Barkley would be going nowhere and Everton would reject any bids, with Martinez hoping that the midfielder will sign a new long-term contract. But if Everton do fail to qualify for next years Champions League, a huge offer will be hard for the Toffees to turn down, especially if all the clubs mentioned to Barkley’s name start to bid.
Rodgers is keen to make Liverpool’s title challenge a big step forward for the club, and wants to make this challenge possible next year aswell. The club is not shy to spend money on English talent, with Liverpool smashing their transfer record on Andy Carroll for £35 million, with the player eventually to be sold to West Ham for £20 million. But it seems that Barkley does have a very bright future, with 5 goals to his name in his first season in the top flight and has also had a string of high quality performances when playing for Everton. If the move were to happen, it would be no such gamble it seems.
By Ollie Brown
