Who will buy Barkley for such significant sum though? Spurs have Alli, City has countless attacking options... Arsenal?
And it won't be easy for them to offload Rooney, just like it wasn't for us.
I think Barkley is starting to realise he's not that hot of a property as he believed himself to be. No one's exactly desperate to sign him. Shit happens.
He could (should) approach this with maturity and accept being a part of a better squad where his role is perhaps even further reduced than it was at Everton last season.
Because let's face it, wherever he aspires/d to go, that would probably happen anyway. At a bigger club, he'll have to bide his time and wait for his opportunities. That isn't what he really wants but I think that's all he's going to get, as it stands
now.
And it's a result of his own request. I for one thought he should've kept quiet and aimed for one more season at Everton, especially if they end up playing in the 17/18 EL. If he can't do it at Everton or in the EL, it's not exactly going to get any easier at a bigger club, although he'll presumably have a better salary.
He'll most likely stay in the PL. I don't believe Arsenal are interested. Chelsea or Tottenham just might be, and I'd say that those two are his best options.
Chelsea's squad is thin and can get even thinner. Tottenham's Son is apparently too inconsistent – I rate Son though. Alli will probably sit out a few matches due to suspensions or injuries, likewise for Eriksen. My point is that Barkley will get his chances somehow, with CL and other cup competitions too.
Damn this post was long.
As for Rooney: I think it'll be easier if it's to MLS or China.