Ross Barkley Reportedly Monitored by Man United, Chelsea Amid Tottenham Rumours

Everton and England playmaker Ross Barkley is reportedly being monitored by Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur as a Goodison Park exit looks increasingly likely. 

The Red Devils and the Blues have joined Spurs in pursuit of the 23-year-old, according to Paul Joyce of the Times, who added either team could make an offer after he entered the last year of his Everton contract.

Barkley has been linked with a move away from the Toffees in recent months, although the club could struggle to find a buyer after it was reported Everton are seeking £50 million for his signature.

Joyce also referred to earlier reports stating Barkley wants £150,000 per week to join Tottenham, although Sky Sports News reporter Bryan Swanson has dismissed such speculation:

The Mirror's David Maddock reported in May that Barkley had missed the deadline to clarify his future and thus would be sold this summer rather than leave for free in 2018.

What's more, the midfielder's chances of finalising a swift transfer were recently boosted after Merseyside football writer Richard Buxton said he failed to travel with manager Ronald Koeman's squad for pre-season:

While United and Chelsea have already been active during this summer's transfer window, Spurs are yet to conclude any incomings.

One has to question how easily the Evertonian could fit in at White Hart Lane, however, given Dele Alli, Christian Eriksen and Son Heung-min rule the roost in north London as suppliers to striker Harry Kane.

Sky Sports Statto compared Barkley's stats against some of those other elite playmakers midway through the 2016-17 campaign, suggesting Spurs may already have superior assets:

Red Devils boss Jose Mourinho has completed a £75 million move for another former Everton man, Romelu Lukaku, while Victor Lindelof is a major addition in central defence.

Chelsea have also boosted their centre-back options with the signing of Antonio Rudiger, and while Tiemoue Bakayoko is a big arrival in central midfield, his style differs greatly to the more attacking Barkley.

The reported £50 million price tag placed on Barkley's head seems extraordinarily high for a player who scored six goals and made nine assists last season, but the Premier League big guns are circling nonetheless.