Ross Barkley is said to be keen on joining Tottenham Hotspur, with the midfielder reportedly impressed by Mauricio Pochettino’s management.

The Evertonian was believed to be reluctant to move to the capital, but has warmed to the idea since learning more of Pochettino’s methods.

He has reportedly been told of the Argentine’s pedigree while on England duty, where he shared a dressing room with Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Danny Rose.

Spurs are reluctant to match the Toffees £50 million valuation of the 23-year-old but are still interested in securing his services.

Barkley’s own willingness to leave the club he joined as a nine-year-old may well force Everton’s hand, and there has been no indication he is willing to sign a new deal at Goodison Park.

There is little chance he would be among Spurs’ top earners should a transfer materialise.

Harry Kane and Hugo Lloris’ £120,000-a-week deals represent the club’s ceiling as far as wages are concerned, while Barkley currently earns £60,0000-a-week.

He is also likely to face a stern test to secure regular game time, with Christian Eriksen and Dele Alli occupying the attacking midfield berths he thrives in.

Both were impressive last season as they contributed 26 league goals between them and it’s hard to see Barkley usurping either.

Barkley himself had a difficult season as he fell out of favour with Ronald Koeman and scored five league goals.