Manchester City will return with a bid for Everton midfielder Ross Barkley in the summer, as Manuel Pellegrini goes in search of homegrown talent to add to his squad.
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Everton transfer gossip
Manchester City transfer gossip
Seven most overpriced Premier League players, with Everton’s ‘£50m’ Ross Barkley & Liverpool star
The Toffees value the England international at an incredibly over-priced £50m, but the Citizens, according to the Daily Mail, have no qualms in returning with an offer of this size, having tried to sign Barkley last summer.
The 21-year-old opted to remain at Goodison Park for the current campaign, and his form has been far from impressive this term, with his club having spent much of the season near the foot of the table.
An exciting 2013/14 season saw the Everton star earn a place in England’s 2014 World Cup squad – but he has struggled to maintain his thrilling performances, and has often been guilty of trying to force play this season in an attempt to return to form.
Nonetheless, this seemingly hasn’t deterred the interest of Manchester City, who, with James Milner set to leave in the summer and loanee Frank Lampard to make the switch to the MLS, will be seriously short of homegrown players for the next campaign.
According to the Mail Online, Roberto Martinez wants to keep a hold of Barkley, but, following a disappointing season, the Spaniard is aware that a squad overhaul may be necessary, and selling the 21-year-old would make that possible – especially if their £50m asking price is met.