Everton: £15m signing would cause 'massive fan backlash' at Goodison Park

Everton would be made to contend with ‘a massive fan backlash’ if Chelsea ace Ross Barkley seals a return to Goodison Park, according to Daily Star journalist Paul Brown.

The Toffees have only made one addition to their squad since the transfer window reopened, with James Tarkowski joining following the expiry of his Burnley contract, but head coach Frank Lampard has until September 1 to secure reinforcements.

Barkley’s future appears to be up in the air as he has entered the final 12 months of his £100,000-per-week contract at Chelsea.

The west Londoners are keen to cash-in on the central midfielder, who has only registered 23 goal contributions in 100 appearances.

According to the Mirror, Everton and Aston Villa have been offered the opportunity to sign Barkley and end his spell at Stamford Bridge.

The report suggests Chelsea are desperate to find a buyer for the 33-cap England international ahead of the campaign getting underway next month.

Blues head coach Thomas Tuchel has previously revealed that Barkley has ‘a long way to go’ before becoming a key member of his squad.

Brown understands that Everton have previously been interested in sealing Barkley’s return to Merseyside.

However, he feels the transfer would not go down well among the Toffees’ supporters and a summer move is unlikely.

Brown told GIVEMESPORT: “Everton definitely entertained bringing Barkley back at one point, but I think they know there’d be a massive fan backlash against that.

“At the moment, the only people pushing that are Chelsea because it’s clear that Barkley has no future there and they’re listening to offers.

“I think that is why the link has resurfaced but I don’t think Everton, right now, will make a serious move for Ross Barkley.”

Bark