Ross Barkley has been released by Chelsea and is now a free agent. Two or three years ago I'd have loved to have him at the Albion, but considered he was out of our league, but now ............?
Wages might be an issue, given where he's played. Maybe he and his agent still believe he will walk into a nice three year deal, probably in Europe, on comparable wages - maybe, and maybe not. On the other hand, he's lnow on £0 per annum - with his career having apparantly more or less hit the buffers at Chelsea.
Does his career need rescuing? One year deal (not on silly Chelsea wages of course!) with a one year option to extend, so he has some value at the end of the year. Don't think he'd get into our team at the moment, but potentially good back-up. If he does well in his one year, we may sell him for a few £million (or give him a new contract if he turns out to do really well) or if he doesn't shine, just let him leave. Much to my surprise, he's still only 28.
Could do a job (if the price is right)?
Wages might be an issue, given where he's played. Maybe he and his agent still believe he will walk into a nice three year deal, probably in Europe, on comparable wages - maybe, and maybe not. On the other hand, he's lnow on £0 per annum - with his career having apparantly more or less hit the buffers at Chelsea.
Does his career need rescuing? One year deal (not on silly Chelsea wages of course!) with a one year option to extend, so he has some value at the end of the year. Don't think he'd get into our team at the moment, but potentially good back-up. If he does well in his one year, we may sell him for a few £million (or give him a new contract if he turns out to do really well) or if he doesn't shine, just let him leave. Much to my surprise, he's still only 28.
Could do a job (if the price is right)?