Newcastle seem certain to sign a midfielder this summer, and Ross Barkley is reportedly a transfer target.
According to the Athletic, Newcastle would be interested in Barkley if Chelsea make him available for loan once again.
The 27-year-old has spent the season at Aston Villa, enjoying mixed success.
Barkley started brilliantly, but injury stunted his progress. By the end of the season, there wasn’t even a mention of him being in contention for the England squad.
But with money set to be tight, Newcastle will be looking to bring players in on loan. Barkley will surely be of interest, just like he was last summer.
According to the Chronicle, Steve Bruce wanted to sign him from Chelsea last year.
This would have been music to the ears of Callum Wilson.
“I didn’t even realise he was going to go on loan from Chelsea, otherwise I would have said to (Steve) Bruce that you have to bring him up here,” the striker told the Super6 Podcast in March.
“He’s unbelievable.”
But while Wilson would likely be excited by the prospect of Barkley arriving, Toon fans are divided.
Some are enthused about the prospect of signing an England international. Others believe he’s not the player he used to be.
Regardless, Barkley would likely be a plan B if we can’t sign Joe Willock.
The Arsenal man has to be our number one priority. We need to find the money to bring him back permanently.
While Barkley is incredibly talented, signing him on loan would be another short-term solution.
Toon fans give mixed response to possible Ross Barkley transfer
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