West Ham Line Up Second Approach For Chelsea Midfield Maestro

West Ham will make a second attempt for Chelsea attacking midfielder Ross Barkley before the close of the transfer window, according to reports in the English media.

The Hammers are believed to have made an enquiry about signing the 26-year-old on loan, but the approach was knocked back by the Blues. Manager Frank Lampard stated that Barkley was not on the market:

“There’s no talk here of Ross Barkley going anywhere; he’s our player. He’s played the last couple of games and done very well. I’ve got a lot of faith in Ross. That was news I heard just like everyone else, but there’s absolutely no feeling towards that here. I’m very happy with him.”

However, it appears West Ham will make another offer next week for Barkley with manager David Moyes keen to be reunited with the player he gave a senior debut to during his time at Everton.

A lot may depend on whether the midfielder is happy with the game time he is getting at Chelsea. The England international has been in Gareth Southgate’s plans over the past year, but he may be concerned about missing out on the squad for Euro 2020 in June.

Despite starting the season as a regular first-team player under Lampard, the midfielder has made just 12 appearances in total this campaign, with only eight starts.