Barkley wants to become highest-paid player in Tottenham’s history

Tottenham are still interested in signing Everton midfielder Ross Barkley but have been left stunned after discovering he wants to become the best-paid player in the club’s history, reports The Daily Mirror.

Barkley’s future seems increasingly away from Everton after enduring a difficult first campaign under Ronald Koeman and Tottenham appear the only club in the running for his signature.

The Toffees have reportedly slapped a staggering £50m valuation on Barkley’s head despite the fact he has entered the final 12 months of his existing deal and is yet to sign a renewal with his boyhood club.

Tottenham are not willing to pay that much for a player they could theatrically get for nothing at the end of next season, but will also refuse to match Barkley’s stunning £150,000-a-week wage demands.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side already operate under an incredibly, yet commendable, wage structure where Harry Kane and Hugo Lloris are the highest earners on around £120,000-a-week.  

While Tottenham only value Barkley at £15m, a compromise between the two clubs is expected, but the England international will also need to revise his own demands to have any chance of joining Pochettino’s side.

Despite enduring an underwhelming campaign for Everton last season that saw Barkley only manage five goals and register eight assists, the Everton No.8 still made more key passes (84) than any other player aged 23 or under in Europe’s top five leagues last season.

For more stats on Ross Barkley, click here to visit his WhoScored player page