Teen sensation: Ross Barkley
The Premier
League's big three spenders are preparing for a £30million transfer
battle which will shatter the world-record fee for a teenage
footballer.
Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City
have all made known their interest in Everton's midfield sensation
Ross Barkley.
He is seen by some as an even better prospect
than another Goodison Park product, Wayne Rooney, and is set to top
the £25.6m United paid for the then 18-year-old seven years
ago.
Although Everton will fight to hang on to
Barkley, who is not 18 until December, their dire financial
situation has made them vulnerable to big offers. Barcelona and
Real Madrid are also monitoring the situation.
One top representative said: 'I thought Stevie
Gerrard was the best kid in his position that I've ever seen, but
Barkley is as good. There's no doubt he is going to be a top
player.'
Barkley's progress is all the more remarkable
following his horrific triple leg fracture playing for England
Under-19s in Belgium last year, which put him out for 10
months.
England coach Noel Blake remembers the incident,
a collision with team-mate Andre Wisdom, vividly. 'I still don't
feel comfortable thinking about it, as it was so upsetting,' he
said.
'Thankfully, he has recovered and it shows his
strength of character that he has got back so quickly.'
Second coming: Some rate Barkley a better prospect than
Rooney
David Moyes has never been afraid to follow the
old adage 'if they're good enough, they're old enough'.
But the Everton manager is determined to nurture
Barkley's talents at the right pace.
'Evertonians have not got an awful lot to be
excited about at the moment so Ross gives everybody something to
look at and cling on to,' he said.
'But I will have to pick and choose him at the
right times. It is not just because of his age but also because of
his lack of football.'
Barkley's future could be a key factor when Moyes
decides whether or not to accept a two-year extension to his own
contract.
