Manchester United are allegedly contemplating a summer approach for Luton Town midfielder Ross Barkley.
Eyebrows were raised at the start of the season when Barkley made the switch to Kenilworth Road on a free transfer, with the perception being that he may not add to a tight-knit Hatters squad that had just won promotion to the Premier League.
However, the acquisition of the 30-year-old has proven to be one of the signings of last summer, as Barkley has played an integral role in keeping Luton in contention to remain in the top flight.
As well as his leadership in the middle of the pitch, the England international has contributed three goals and three assists from 20 appearances in the Premier League.
On the back of an indifferent stint with Nice, Barkley has kick-started his career to such an extent where his performances are being viewed in a positive light for the first time in a number of years.
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Nevertheless, the length of time that he could stay with Luton remains in doubt, a consequence of only penning a one-year contract and it also being dependent on whether the club can avoid dropping back down to the Championship.
According to The Sun, new minority Man United owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is considering whether to target a deal for Barkley ahead of 2024-25.
Ratcliffe and Barkley are no strangers to each other with Nice - Barkley's last club - being owned by Ratcliffe, the playmaker making the switch to the south of France when his contract at Chelsea expired in 2022.
Although Barkley contributed four goals and two assists from his 27 outings in Ligue 1, he only accumulated 920 minutes of football and was subsequently allowed to leave at the end of that campaign.
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That said, it is claimed that Ratcliffe and Sir Dave Brailsford are admirers of Barkley and hold an interest in signing him on a free transfer.
Ratcliffe is currently putting plans into place for a rebuild in the summer, with United expected to strengthen in several areas of the pitch while parting ways with numerous members of the senior squad.
With United still needing to meet FFP requirements, signing a rejuvenated player like Barkley for nothing would boost the club's efforts on that front.
On the flip side, it is a signing that would naturally divide opinion as Barkley has previously failed to live up to his potential at both Everton and Chelsea.
Darren Plant
