Everton are looking at a possible loan transfer for Ross Barkley, as the midfielder could move away from Chelsea to play regularly.
According to The Telegraph, Everton are reportedly interested in a temporary move for former Goodison Park favourite Ross Barkley in January. The Toffees are looking to strengthen their squad options in the January transfer window as Rafael Benitez plans for the second half of the season.
Everton have endured a miserable time in the Premier League after starting brightly in August. They even went on a terrible eight-game winless run, which raised question marks over the club’s management and led to fingers being pointed at Rafael Benitez.
However, they have made some amends in recent weeks due to the return of some of their key players who were missing for some parts of the season through injuries. The absence of these stars made life difficult for Benitez, who is still waiting on Dominic Calvert-Lewin to return.
The Spaniard could take the January window to solve several issues with his squad. They are already close to signing left-back Vitaliy Mykolenko, and Benitez is planning for more signings that fit into his stringent budget, with an attacking midfielder being a priority for the manager.
In recent weeks, Ross Barkley’s name has been mentioned with the midfielder being out of favour at his current club Chelsea. Thomas Tuchel has picked the former Toffees star just once from the start in the Premier League in addition to a few cameo appearances. The midfielder has other suitors, such as Leeds United, who are reportedly keen on his signing and could make an offer in the next window.
However, Everton now seem intent on signing the Chelsea outcast on loan, hoping to convince the midfielder with the lure of regular game-time. He has barely featured for the Blues in the four years at the club and could call time on his Stamford Bridge career.
Chelsea have plenty of personnel to fill in if Barkley leaves, with the likes of Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Saul Niguez among those in the pecking order behind the usual starters.
A move to Everton would make sense for the midfielder whose career has hit a standstill in recent years. Regular playing time at Goodison Park could boost his confidence as he can look forward to a permanent home next summer. Whether it would be with the Toffees or someplace else, will depend upon his displays between now and the end of the season.