Spurs prepared to pounce for Ross Barkley

Tottenham Hotspur could step up their pursuit for Everton star Ross Barkley after he showed reluctance to extend his stay at Goodison Park. The England international's current deal is due to expire in the summer of 2018.

Barkley, 22, has been a mainstay in the Toffees setup in recent seasons, and this has urged the club to offer him a new contract on wages of around £100,000-a-week.

A report from Squawka claims that Spurs are eyeing a possible bid for the player in January as they look to take advantage of his hesitancy to ink an extension.

The midfielder has given his all for Everton over the years, but the lack of European football seems to have unsettled his desire to remain at Merseyside.

Everton have made a bright start to their Premier League campaign, and are currently third in the league standings with three wins and a draw in their opening four games.