Tottenham Hotspur Set To Swoop For Unwanted Everton Star

Tottenham Hotspur is considering an attempt to lure Ross Barkley away from Goodison Park should he grow unhappy with his situation at Everton, according to reports.

Mauricio Pochettino's side has already made an enquiry about taking the 23-year-old from Merseyside to north London, the Evening Standard says.

Barkley, a promising talent at Everton and on the England squad, has fallen out of favor and was criticized by new manager Ronald Koeman.

The midfielder has made fleeting appearances for the Toffees this season but his Dutch manager has said he must be more productive to guarantee a start.

Barkley is thought to have a price tag of around £35 million ($44 million), which would smash Spurs' current transfer record.

Barkley was in action for Everton on Tuesday night, when Koeman's side pulled off a surprise victory over Arsenal at Goodison Park.

Spurs, meanwhile, kept the pressure on the Premier League's top four by beating Hull City 3-0 at White Hart Lane.

The fifth-placed club hosts newly-promoted Burnley in north London on Sunday while Everton feature in the Merseyside derby against Liverpool the following day.