Steve Bruce isn’t short of midfielders with Isaac Hayden, Sean Longstaff, Jonjoe Shelvey, Jeff Hendrick and Matty Longstaff at his disposal, but the Longstaff brothers have uncertain futures and are out of contract in 2022, so Newcastle United may need a replacement.
The Magpies are trying to lure Joe Willock back to St James’ Park, but the Northern Echo say Ross Barkley is on their radar. The 27-year-old is out-of-favour at Chelsea and was out of form while on loan at Aston Villa last season, so Newcastle may fancy their chances of landing his signature.
Barkley joined Chelsea from Everton in January 2018 and has gone on to make 86 appearances in all competitions, scoring 11 goals with 11 assists. The England international has never established himself at Stamford Bridge, however, starting 26/114 Premier League in his three seasons, so the writing is on the wall.
The news hasn’t exactly gripped supporters. Many on social media are blasé about the rumours, which may be because of Barkley’s inconsistency in recent years. His Villa loan started well, but his form fell apart after picking up an injury.
Time will tell where he ends up this summer and time will tell if he justifies his signing.
In other news, there’s optimism on social media with Newcastle ‘badgering away’ over Joe Willock
