Everton 'consider £45m Ross Barkley sale'

Everton midfielder Ross Barkley could reportedly leave the Toffees, with the club willing to listen to offers of around £45m for the England star.

The 21-year-old, who came through the Goodison Park academy and has made a big impact in first few years in the first team, could be sacrificed to finance a spending spree as manager Roberto Martinez looks to bolster his squad.

According to the Daily Mail, the Toffees are worried about the possibility of sliding into a relegation battle this season and are keen to recruit new signings in a bid to avert that prospect.

Everton are said to be ready to sell if they can ideally get around £60m for Barkley, but it is thought that the Merseysiders are only willing to discuss bids in excess of £45m before a deal can be done.

That could alert Manchester City, who were heavily linked with a move for the player last summer, and are still believed to view the midfielder as someone who can boost their push for the Premier League title.