West Ham are looking to “make a statement” by making a move for Everton attacking midfielder Ross Barkley, according to the Daily Star.
The newspaper believes that the Hammers are prepared to double Barkley’s wage to £140,000 a week, but Everton’s £50m asking price would likely prove too steep.
Barkley hasn’t signed a new deal, and with just 12 months to run on his current contract, Everton are likely to sell to the highest bidder in the summer. Manager Ronald Koeman has become increasingly impatient with the player, and is lining up his replacement in the form of Swansea’s Gylfi Sigurdsson.
In addition to West Ham, Tottenham and Manchester United have reportedly looked at the 23 year old. The England international is said to be keen on a move to Spurs, joining up with his friend and international team mate Dele Alli.
It seems though West Ham are the ones to make the first move and he would certainly add another creative spark to the team, with six goals and nine assists in 39 matches this campaign.
