Everton dealt blow as Spurs set to shun Ross Barkley in favour of Sigurdsson

Tottenham have identified Gylfi Sigurdsson as the ideal addition to the squad ahead of Everton's Ross Barkley in what could be a double blow for the Toffees. 

Mauricio Pochettino is set to shun Ross Barkley after identifying Swansea ace Sigurdsson as the player he wants and is set to bring the Icelandic international back to the club.

There are two main reasons for the switch in focus to Sigurdsson from Barkley. 

The first reason is the fact that Sigurdsson has just been a more consistent performer over the last three seasons and has been a bigger influence on games than Barkley. The Icelandic has scored 37 goals over the last three seasons and was the top assist maker in the whole of Europe just a month ago. Barkley, in comparison, has only scored 20 goals over the last three seasons, including a measly six this campaign. 

The second reason is the price. Barkley would pose as a far more expensive option than Sigurdsson, with Everton slapping a £60 million price tag on the England international. Sigurdsson, on the other hand, would only cost £25 million, and given the stark contrast in performances over the last few years, Tottenham will be desperate to sign the better player for a lower cost.

This will be a huge double blow for Everton as they look to cash in on Barkley and replace the 23-year-old with Sigurdsson himself. The prospect of challenging for the title after fighting relegation with Swansea might further push Sigurdsson to the North London club.