Everton ready to discuss Barkley sale, will demand £50m

Everton bosses have endured a tough time when it comes to securing their top talents this season, after star striker Romelu Lukaku refused a deal he was 99.9% ready to sign, it looks as if there will be no deal for playmaker and homegrown talent Ross Barkley.

That’s according to The Mirror who claim that the club are now reluctantly prepared to listen to offers for the England international, however, they will demand a club record £50m offer from any suitors.

The fee, which would surpass the £47.5m Manchester City forked out for defender John Stones last summer, may well be a step too far for front-runners Tottenham and Manchester United, though.

The 23-year-old does have a year remaining on his current deal at Goodison Park and is supposedly considering letting that run down before leaving on a free this time next year.

Whilst £50m would seem a manageable fee for both sides, with the Red Devils targeting a number of world-class players and with Spurs in the midst of a stadium move, it may just be the wrong time.