A trio of Premier League clubs could reportedly be drawn into a bidding war for Everton midfielder Ross Barkley.
Tottenham Hotspur were believed to be the frontrunners to sign the England international, but Chelsea and Manchester United are also readying offers, according to The Times.
Barkley, who has one year remaining on his Everton contract, is widely expected to leave Goodison Park this summer after falling out of favour with manager Ronald Koeman.
However, the Toffees' asking price of £50m is said to be deterring firm offers for the player.
Barkley broke into the Everton senior setup in 2010 and has spent his entire career at Goodison, with loan stints at Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds United.
The 23-year-old is expected to miss the beginning of the new season after undergoing groin surgery.
Written by
Mark Langshaw
Mark Langshaw
