United are in hot pursuit of Everton’s latest wonder kid – 17-year-old midfielder Ross Barkley.
The Reds are keen to raid Goodison Park again after the success of their 2004 £30m plunge for Wayne Rooney – when he was the same age – and are weighing up a move when the transfer window reopens in January.
It is understood the champions have attempted to persuade Everton manager David Moyes to sell during the window that closed last week – and were prepared to allow Darron Gibson to move to Merseyside and offer cash as well in order to land the starlet.
Barklay is a 6ft 2in box-to-box goalscoring, powerful midfielder in the Bryan Robson mould.
But with Sir Alex Ferguson a keen advocate of versatility in his young players, the Reds boss has noted the teenager can also play in defence and attack.
The Liverpudlian has broken through into Everton’s first team this term playing in all three of their opening Premier League and Carling Cup matches.
The Reds and Everton have a good relationship with Moyes a close pal of Fergie’s.
The friendship didn’t stop United luring Rooney to Old Trafford soon into his Goodison career and, in return, Moyes has since signed United trio Tim Howard, Phil Neville and Louis Saha.
Barkley has been fast-tracked into the England Under-21 squad this season following his meteoric impact at club level.
) and with this guy. First at a i think that Ross is a much more realistic target due.to our long term strategy and second of all i remeber reading some intresting stuff about the lad. iirc many here rate him.