The Daily Star are today claiming that Everton will not settle for anything less than £50m for Chelsea and Manchester City target Ross Barkley, whose impressive run of form last season saw him establish himself as one of the brightest young prospects in the country.
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However, the 21-year-old has somewhat struggles this season. He has, like much of the Everton squad, failed to live up to expectations after last term’s repeatedly impressive performances, and £50m now seems like an extortionate amount, even for a player of Barkley’s potential.
In the list below we’ve ranked Barkley, along with six other Premier League players, who have been liked with transfers in recent months. The rumoured deals all involve the buying team paying well over the odds! Take a look:
7) Chris Smalling (Manchester United, valued at £12m)
Reports in the Independent claim that Arsenal are interested in the England international, but that Manchester United want more than the £12m on offer. This seems extraordinary for a player that has struggled to hold down a spot for club or country in recent years.
6) Yaya Toure (Manchester City, valued at £20m)
According to reports in the Daily Express, Manchester City could face interest in midfielder Yaya Toure this summer. The Ivorian has certainly been an exceptional player over the years, but at 31 he’s arguably past his peak. Surely City would do well to get rid.
5) Saido Berahino (West Bromwich Albion, valued at £20m)
The young England striker has been flying this season. His form led to reports in the Daily Mirror earlier this year, which tipped him for a move to either Liverpool or Tottenham Hotspur. Unsurprisingly, both Premier League clubs baulked at the extreme asking price.
4) Radamel Falcao (Manchester United, valued at £40m)
Reports in the Daily Star explain that Manchester United aren’t the only side linked with a permanent move for AS Monaco striker Radamel Falcao. Juventus and Real Madrid have also been linked with the Colombian, despite him enduing a difficult run of form this season.
3) Christian Benteke (Aston Villa, valued at £25m)
This one is going back a bit, but in the summer of 2013 reports in the Telegraph were linking the Belgian with a huge move to Liverpool. Benteke eventually decided to stay and signed a new contract with the Midlands side, but he’s struggled with both form and fitness since then.
2) Ross Barkley (Everton, valued at £50m)
As we’ve already mentioned, Barkley hasn’t looked the same player so far this season. His potential is undeniable, but paying this sort of price will only build the reputation that young English players go for ridiculous prices. City would remember to do well what happened with Rodwell.
1) Raheem Sterling (Liverpool, valued at £70m)
Reports in the Daily Star value the Liveprool starlet as highly as £70m, amid interest from Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Manchester City. The 20-year-old has been excellent since his emergence in 2012, but is not among the best players in the world quite yet!
