Tottenham plan Ross Barkley bid in belief they can turn him into a central midfielder
Mauricio Pochettino wants the England international in a deeper-lying role to the No10 position he currently plays in at Goodison Park
TOTTENHAM are still interested in Everton's Ross Barkley — but want to convert him into a central midfielder.
According to The Times, Mauricio Pochettino wants the England international in a deeper-lying role to the No10 position he currently plays in at Goodison Park.
Spurs already have Mousa Dembele as their defensive midfielder but are already planning for life without the Belgian who turns 30 this month.
The report suggests Spurs chiefs are concerned about how long Dembele can carry on in his current role and see Barkley as a good replacement.
Barkley plays in the same position as Spurs goldenboy Dele Alli, but a change of role could see him fit in under Poch's plans.
When asked whether Barkley will stay at his boyhood club, Ronald Koeman said: “We made a good offer to him to sign a new contract.
“He declined and told me he is looking for a new challenge. We’ll see what happens.”
The 23-year-old has just one-year left on his current contract and could be available at a cut-price fee or risk losing him for nothing in 12-months time.
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He has been linked with moves to north London rivals Tottenham and Arsenal but it remains unlikely that either club will continue their chase this summer.
Everton are thought to have slapped a £50million price-tag on Barkley but their Premier League rivals have balked at the fee.
His inconsistent form for Everton last season saw him score just five goals in 32 league starts whilst he missed out on the England squad for their double header of fixtures in June.
Barkley is currently on the road to recovery following successful surgery on a groin injury.
He was ruled out of Everton's pre-season tour of the Netherlands and is expected to miss the first Premier League match of the season.