Everton have been offered the chance to re-sign their former midfielder Ross Barkley from Chelsea this summer, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.
The 28-year-old joined the Blues for around £15m in January 2018, following several months of speculation surrounding his future on Merseyside.
However, the England international has struggled for form and game time at Stamford Bridge since making the move, and was sent out on loan to Aston Villa for the 2020-21 campaign.
After returning to West London last summer, Barkley was used sparingly under Thomas Tuchel during last season, making just six Premier League appearances, of which only one was from the off.
With the attacking midfielder widely expected to leave Chelsea this summer, Jacobs has hinted that Everton, as well as Aston Villa, have been offered his services ahead of the 2022-23 campaign.
Speaking to EFC Daily, Jacobs said: "Ross Barkley is available, and Frank Lampard believes he still has huge potential. Barkley is only 28 and hoping to find a club that plays to his strengths.
"During his first Everton spell he contributed with far more goals than at Chelsea, where his game-time has been limited for the past few seasons.
"Everton and Aston Villa have both been offered Barkley. The reason for this is Chelsea want to get Barkley off the wage bill."
After coming through the academy on Merseyside, Barkley went on to make 179 appearances across all competitions for the Everton first team before joining Chelsea, scoring 27 goals during that time.
Matthew Tranter
