Tottenham to play the waiting game on Barkley

Tottenham Hotspur are likely to wait on their proposed move for Ross Barkley with Everton currently holding out on their £50m asking price.

The England international is widely expected to leave Goodison Park in the summer after he snubbed the opportunity to extend his contract beyond the 2017/18 season.

Toffees boss Ronald Koeman is also said to approve the move for the playmaker, but his hefty price tag has prevented clubs from lodging an attempt for his signature.

According to Sky Sports News, Spurs could delay the pursuit of Barkley until the deadline in a bid to lower his overall valuation.

It is added that the north London outfit have not ruled out a move for an alternative option with Mauricio Pochettino keen to complete his transfer business at the earliest opportunity.

Arch rivals Arsenal are also monitoring the player's developments as they look for a potential replacement for Mesut Ozil, who is entering the final year of his Gunners deal.

Barkley has notched 27 goals in over 175 outings for Everton since making his debut in 2011.