Everton to Reject Man City Bid for Ross Barkley bids, but Could Consider Jack Rodwell Return

Posted by

Everton manager Roberto Martinez will dismiss enquiries about Ross Barkley – but could sign Jack Rodwell regardless.

Check in to Leicester City vs Everton

Everton manager Roberto Martinez will reject any possible approaches from Manchester City about sparkling youngster Ross Barkley, but may consider a separate move for Jack Rodwell, according to the Liverpool Echo.

City had been linked with a £25 million swoop for England World Cup star Barkley over the past couple of days, but the Toffees look set to reject any approach out of hand – showing more resolve to keep Barkley than they did when Wayne Rooney joined Manchester United a decade ago.

Rodwell is the last young player to move between the two clubs, but things haven’t quite worked out for the central midfielder at the City of Manchester Stadium, with him having rarely been afforded opportunities to play by either Roberto Mancini or successor Manuel Pellegrini.

It had been suggested that City may try to use Rodwell as bait in a potential deal for Rodwell but, if that is off the table, it seems as though Martinez may be interested in bringing Rodwell back to Goodison Park in a separate deal.

The report suggests that Everton tried to sign the midfielder on loan in January, but might have a better chance of securing him this summer now that Pellegrini has had the chance to categorise him as surplus to requirements at the Premier League champions.

SEE ALSO: The Fastest Players on Fifa 14

More Stories everton fc Manchester City FC