Ross Barkley needs Tottenham and Mauricio Pochettino, says Phil Neville

By James Dale

Ex-Everton duo Phil Neville and Leon Osman have their say on Ross Barkley's future at Goodison Park

Ross Barkley needs to sign for Tottenham to play under Mauricio Pochettino, says Phil Neville.

Sky Sports News understands Tottenham are interested in signing Barkley but are not prepared to meet Everton's valuation of him.

Ronald Koeman admitted Barkley's future remains unclear last month, and previously warned the 23-year-old if he did not sign a new deal this summer he would have to be sold given his current contract expires next year.

Former Everton captain Neville believes it is time for Barkley to leave Goodison Park, with Spurs the ideal destination for the England international.

"I think he's a top, top player and he needs to play for one of the clubs playing in the Champions League," Neville told The Debate.

Advertisement

"If you look at the clubs to go to, managers to play for, I can only see one - Mauricio Pochettino.

Image: Mauricio Pochettino is yet to sign a player in the current transfer window

"For Ross Barkley you have to sign for the right manager, somebody that's going to improve him, and more importantly coach him and make him a better footballer. I think Pochettino is that man."

Also See:

Another former Everton player, Leon Osman, believes Barkley will have to swallow his pride and face up to Koeman if he ends up staying at the Toffees for the benefit of his World Cup chances at Russia 2018.

"If he was to stay I think he would have to go back and apologise to the manager," Osman told Premier League Daily. "I don't think the players would demand it but certainly to Ronald Koeman.

"He could go back and ask to get back in the squad remembering it's a World Cup year and it's all to play for."

Outbrain