It is being reported today in the Daily Mirror that Chelsea football club are determined to offer a large fee to acquire the long-term services of Everton’s young midfield talent Ross Barkley.
The young Liverpudlian is reportedly also being closely monitored by Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United. At just 17, the England under-21 international has a fantastic future in the game having represented his country at under 16, 17, 18, 19 and 21 level. At 6’2″ and presumably still growing, Barkley has excellent ball control and natural balance. He is a very hard tackler and his distribution belies his youth as he powerfully pushes forward from midfield. His speed, movement and natural balance for a big man makes him very difficult for opponents to pick up. It’s amazing to think that this lad is still only 17 and still improving.
David Moyes knows that he has another very special talent on his hands, but that just like Wayne Rooney he will be powerless to hold onto him. At the moment not too many fans outside of Everton football club know of Ross Barkley’s tremendous talents and promise, but that will all change as 2011/2012 season progresses.
I am sure that AVB will be salivating over the prospect of developing this young talent in West London, but I think it will take an offer above the Mirror’s reported £20m to bring him to Stamford Bridge, especially when City get to know of this lads extreme talents. Ross Barkley has the World at his talented feet and let us all just hope (as Chelsea fans) that he sees that future in SW6.
By Alan Frank