West Ham United plot surprise move for Barkley

West Ham United have emerged as surprise contenders to sign Everton contract rebel Ross Barkley in the summer. The England international will be sold at the right price during the upcoming transfer window.

Barkley, 23, has ignored contractual discussions with the Toffees in recent months, and it is suggested that he could be sold, should any club match their £50m asking price.

Tottenham Hotspur have been touted as the prime destination for the playmaker, who is understood to be keen on playing alongside close friend Dele Alli.

However, according to The Star, the Hammers are prepared to make an ambitious attempt to sign the attacker by offering him a huge wage package of around £140,000-a-week - more than twice of his current salary.

While the £50m valuation still remains a stumbling block, the Hammers are keen to make quality signings in the transfer market after having recently recruited Pablo Zabaleta on a free transfer.

Hugo Lloris is currently the highest paid player at Tottenham on £120,000-a-week and Barkley will get a significantly lower wage, should he make the switch to north London.