MANCHESTER CITY are prepared to match Everton's asking price to sign Ross Barkley, according to reports.
 |
| Ross Barkley (right) is reportedly seen as Manchester City's replacement for Yaya Toure |
City are thought to have earmarked Barkley as a replacement for Yaya Toure, whose future at the Etihad Stadium looks increasingly uncertain.
Toure's agent this week confirmed the player is "open to offers" from rival European clubs after six years in Manchester.
And The Sun claim City will waste no time sourcing a new star midfielder if the Ivorian forces through an exit.
It is claimed Everton will want up to £50million for Barkley and that City are willing to meet those demands.
The club have so far failed in their pursuit of Juventus star Paul Pogba and Barkley, 22, is a credible alternative target.
France international Pogba is expected to join Barcelona this summer in a deal that could reach £73m.
Barca held talks with the player's representatives last summer and appear to have beaten off interest from Real Madrid and Chelsea for the ace.
As for Barkley, Everton are determined to keep their academy product as manager Roberto Martinez looks to develop his young side.
The Toffees sit 11th in the Premier League after a mixed first half of the season and carry a 2-1 first-leg lead into their reverse Capital One Cup semi-final with City next Wednesday.
Post a Comment Blogger Facebook Disqus