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Fan's view
BARK UP RIGHT TREE

Why Ross Barkley to bolster Tottenham in January makes perfect sense

Mauricio Pochettino could be just the man to fully unleash the promising England midfielder's undoubted talent

WHEN asked who the club should sign in January, Spurs fans would most likely struggle to give you a plausible answer.

With links to the likes of Isco and Gotze in the summer, it's fair to say that as a fan base we're rather ambitious when it comes to accurately guessing transfer targets.
 Ross Barkley has emerged as a Tottenham target
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Ross Barkley has emerged as a Tottenham targetCredit: Reuters

Given a general unwillingness to spend in the winter window, combined with a relatively rigid wage structure, there are very few players that would tick all the boxes for Mauricio Pochettino's side.


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But rumours over a move for Ross Barkley this week smashed that belief system to pieces.
There are two players in the Premier League that would suit Tottenham Hotspur right now - Barkley and Manchester United starlet Marcus Rashford, a less than likely thought.

Rashford would undoubtedly inject a new energy into Spurs' attack. But Jose with Mourinho's side competing so closely with the north Londoners such a move - albeit even a loan - is unlikely to materialise.
 But can Mauricio Pochettino prise Barkley away from Ronald Koeman?
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But can Mauricio Pochettino prise Barkley away from Ronald Koeman?Credit: Getty Images

But Barkley tickles the taste buds and might just be the next best thing.

The current rift between the England player and Everton manager Ronald Koeman means have the perfect opportunity for Spurs to strike.
His talent and sheer genius is something that would light up the White Hart Lane midfield during a difficult few months ahead.

It's clear he needs to be taught how to hone his skills and take himself to the next level. Pochettino could the man for the job.

Barkley is still young, relatively raw and still on the cusp of being one of the finest young players this country has produced.
Ring any bells Spurs fans? (Insert Dele Alli's wave here!)
 Dele Alli...talk of Barkley arriving sounds familiar
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Dele Alli...talk of Barkley arriving sounds familiarCredit: PA:Press Association

It's been widely reported that Tottenham have enquired about signing him so it will be interesting to see how the Merseyside club respond.

Admittedly, Spurs may have to break the bank to sign Barkley. Given their battle with Everton for Moussa Sissoko this summer, the Toffees are going to play hard ball during any talks.

 Barkley is obviously giving deep thought to his future
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Barkley is obviously giving deep thought to his futureCredit: Reuters
 The Everton man could unlock a few defences for Harry Kane
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The Everton man could unlock a few defences for Harry KaneCredit: EPA
Interestingly, a quick scan of the the 23-year-old's Twitter account makes for interesting reading. His last 'liked' tweet happens to be confirmation of Harry Kane's new contract at Spurs.
Does he fancy a taste of that action, perhaps?
With Swansea boss Bob Bradley confirming his interest in midfielder Tom Carroll, Spurs appear to be making room for incoming players. It would, after all, be madness to bulk up an already overstocked squad.
But what an addition it would be to the ranks at Spurs. Rarely does an opportunity arise to take such a young talented player like Barkley from a rival.

For obvious reasons, pulling Barkley away from Everton would be difficult. His rapport with fans and sheer love of the club is something we rarely see in modern football.


But Spurs might just be the right club for him.
And who knows? Could he be the key to unlocking Harry Kane's appetite for goal on a more regular basis?

*You can follow on Twitter here, and his website is *

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