Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has reportedly signalled his intent to play the long game in their pursuit of Everton midfielder Ross Barkley.
Since the end of last season, the England international's contract situation at Goodison Park has been well documented and with just a year left on his deal with the Toffees, he is attracting interest from other clubs.
However, it has been suggested that both Everton's asking price and Barkley's wage demands are currently considered unrealistic to interested parties and a transfer to a top-level Premier League outfit is not imminent.
According to The Mirror, that has led to Mourinho's willingness to take a backseat in an attempt to force either Everton's or Barkley's hands later in the summer window.
Barkley contributed five goals and eight assists in the top flight last season, but manager Ronald Koeman is willing to sell him after the arrivals of Davy Klaassen and Wayne Rooney.
Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have also been credited with an interest in the playmaker.
Darren Plant
