'Remarkable return' suggested for Ross Barkley as Everton seek reinforcements

Everton could move for a surprise return move for Ross Barkley this January to compensate for injuries to their front line.

Tom Malley of The Mirror has claimed Everton could make a move for their former midfielder with Alex Iwobi's AFCON commitments adding insult to injury in the Toffees' selection crisis.

In a story outlining possible transfers for each Premier League team, Barkley was Malley's only suggestion for Benítez's men.

After impressing on loan at Aston Villa in 2020-21, the ex-Toffee could reinvigorate Everton's attack.

On the potential move, Malley opined: "Everton have no doubt underperformed this season and there is no guarantee that Rafael Benitez will still be at the club by the time January ends, but either way, the club need to sign some players.

"Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison have both suffered with injuries this season, Andros Townsend has a serious injury and Alex Iwobi is away with Nigeria for the next month, so attacking options could well be explored next month.

"But a remarkable return for Ross Barkley could be on the cards and after impressing on loan at Aston Villa last season, he still has the quality to do a job for the Toffees if they can pull off a deal."

Possible option

Minutes have been hard to come by for Barkley in Thomas Tuchel's Chelsea side this campaign.

The former Toffee has only made 11 appearances in all competitions for the Blues who are mounting an impressive title charge in the Premier League this season.

Barkley is certainly a viable option for Everton. Alex Iwobi leaves later this month ahead of the African Cup of Nations and injuries to the likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Andros Townsend and Richarlison are causing a selection nightmare for the manager.

A loan deal worked relatively well for Barkley as he teamed up with Dean Smith at Aston Villa last season. He made a bright start but his form began to dip and he fell out of favour with the Midlands in the latter half of the campaign.

A return to the club where he made his name is sure to be an enticing prospect for the boyhood Evertonian on the hunt for regular first-team minutes in the Premier League.

In other Everton news, Kevin Campbell says Digne is out.