Sources at Everton: Ross Barkley is no longer transfer target for Frank Lampard
Sources at Everton have now ruled out a move for Chelsea playmaker Ross Barkley this summer, according to the Daily Mirror.
The newspaper has reported in its print edition [02 August, pg. 53] that Frank Lampard wants two new faces to arrive to strengthen his midfield before the deadline.
Idrissa Gana Gueye is said to be closing in on that move, but Barkley will not be another face coming back to Merseyside for a reunion before the September deadline.
Writing in his latest column for the Daily Mirror, Chris McKenna shared what he has been told from the blue side of Merseyside in recent days as speculation grows.
“Lampard wants two new faces in midfield, an area he has made a priority,” he wrote.
“With former Toffee Idrissa Gueye now at Paris Saint-Germain – among targets. Ross Barkley has been ruled out, say sources close to the club.”
Smart.
Barkley has not enjoyed the best of years in his career recently.
Despite that semi-decent spell on loan at Aston Villa under Dean Smith with Jack Grealish alongside him, the England international has never quite made it work at Chelsea.
Ever since leaving Goodison Park, it is hard to say if the playmaker has enjoyed a successful path.
Of course, he has won multiple trophies while at Stamford Bridge under numerous managers, but has he played any big role in bringing any of those into the club? We would say not.
Lampard needs players who are going to fight for the shirt to turn around the horrors of last season, and that isn’t what Barkley brings to the table if brought in.
Not to add the big money it would likely take in wages, but Barkley may find it very hard to find a new club that is willing to meet his likely demands this summer.
It won’t be Everton.