Ex-England striker backs PL club to sign Chelsea midfield ace at ‘crossroads’ in career

Chelsea Transfer News: Newcastle tipped to sign Ross Barkley

According to transfer news from Chronicle Live, Newcastle United have been tipped to sign Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley. Former Aston Villa forward Gabriel Agbonlahor feels that Newcastle manager Steve Bruce can get the best out of Barkley.

Barkley signed for the Villans on a season-long loan deal last summer following the arrivals of Hakim Ziyech and Kai Havertz. The England international made a blazing start to life at Villa Park, forming a dangerous tandem with Jack Grealish and Ollie Watkins.

Ross Barkley in action for Chelsea. (GETTY Images)
Ross Barkley in action for Chelsea. (GETTY Images)

However, a hamstring injury he sustained in November led to a significant spell on the sidelines, post which Barkley struggled to hit the heights of the early periods of the season. With his loan spell coming to an end, Villa have not taken up a permanent deal for the midfielder.

That means Barkley is set to be back at Chelsea at the end of June. Nonetheless, former Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor feels that Newcastle should make a move for Barkley. He added that Steve Bruce could get the best out of the former Everton man.

Aston Villa v Derby County – Sky Bet Championship – Villa Park Aston Villa s Gabriel Agbonlahor says his goodbyes as he leaves the club after 12 years a player (Copyright: xNickxPottsx 36234512)

“I think it would be a good fit. Steve Bruce would get the best out of him. Ross Barkley needs to go somewhere now, he’s at a crossroads in his career, he’s 28. He needs to go somewhere and have a really good season, not just a few months like he did at Villa. It could be the perfect move for him to go play week in, week out.”

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It looks very unlikely that Barkley will break into the side under Thomas Tuchel. There are already more than enough attacking players on the side. A loan deal or a permanent transfer away could do a world of good to both Chelsea and Barkley.