Everton: Who will sign Ross Barkley in January?

It’s possible Everton could still receive significant compensation for Ross Barkley, if Chelsea and Spurs engage in a bidding war for his services.

The overriding sentiment is Everton have missed their chance to get a substantial transfer fee for Ross Barkley. At least this is the perception after he turned down a move to Chelsea during the summer, which would have reportedly netted the Blues up to £35 million.

When January comes around, Barkley will be in the final months of his current deal. As such, lower offers are expected from clubs, knowing Everton will be desperate to get something for their midfielder, rather than letting him walk away for nothing after the season.

However, all hope is not lost. At least not theoretically.

As per a report from John Cross of The Mirror, Tottenham Hotspur are expected to go head-to-head with Chelsea, in a tug-of-war for Barkley’s services. And depending on how keen both sides are to sign him, it could lead to a bidding war, with Everton coming out as winners. (At least as much as you can do, when you’re going to lose an extremely talented player.)

We must stress again though, that this is all theoretical. Spurs will likely only go so high, especially with how strict they are on the money front – why pay an extortionate amount for a player they can potentially get for nothing next summer?

More from Transfer Rumors

• New Ings link as Everton strive for striking reinforcements before window shuts
• Beto deal claimed to be close as Everton face crucial game without a striker
• Everton may bid for Balde as Gnonto hands in transfer request
• Bid for Adams makes sense for Everton in search for more goals
• Everton should move on from Gnonto as confusion reins over player’s future

Besides, it Spurs get into a bidding war with Chelsea, you imagine there will only be one winner. However, this wouldn’t mean Barkley would go to Stamford Bridge anyway, especially when you consider he already turned down one move to the Pensioners.

However, one other factor which could influence any decision by the 23-year-old, is his ambition at the international level. You imagine he would like to go to the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

As such, Barkley needs to be playing regular first team football when he returns from injury. Turning down a move to Chelsea, even if his preference is Spurs, could sabotage his World Cup ambitions. (Ronald Koeman vowed to keep him out of the team, after he refused to sign a contract extension to remain with Everton.)

Of course, this is all speculation at this stage; there’s no way of knowing how this is all going to play. Regardless, January should prove to be an intriguing month for Everton and Barkley.

Next: Baines proves how humble and selfless he is

What do you predict will happen to Barkley in January. Will he join Chelsea, Spurs or another team altogether? Or do you believe he will remain with Everton until the end of this season? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.