SPURS STALL OVER BARKLEY WAGES

TOTTENHAM want Ross Barkley to set realistic wage demands as they look to finance a move for the Everton and England midfielder. Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino has retained an interest in Barkley since it became clear the player’s future lies away from Goodison Park. But Tottenham are unwilling to break their wage structure, with Hugo Lloris and Harry Kane their only stars commanding close to £100,000 a week. Barkley has been offered more than that to stay at Goodison. Everton are also expected to ask for a big transfer fee, believed to be upwards of £35million, despite Barkley having less than 12 months on his contract. That represents another potential stumbling block, with Spurs not wanting to match the astronomical fees lavished by title rivals. Yet Pochettino believes he can offer Barkley a springboard to relaunch his England career and is keen to work with the 23-year-old.