West Ham United have once again been linked with a move for Ross Barkley this summer.
Read: Dire straits could help West Ham land US international for cut price fee
West Ham have been linked with Barkley on a number of occasions in the past.
Speculation has intensified since David Moyes was reappointed by West Ham given the Scot managed Barkley’s emergence at Everton.
Earlier this week The Daily Express and Football London reported that Chelsea could sell Barkley to West Ham this summer to fund a move and make space for German star Kai Havertz.
Hammers linked with summer move for Barkley
The Mirror also claim West Ham will offer Barkley regular football which may help him break into the England side ahead of Euro 2021.
David Moyes attempted to take Barkley to the Olympic Stadium in January but Chelsea rejected the loan proposal claims The Express.
The 26-year-old had fallen behind Mateo Kovacic, N’Golo Kante, Mason Mount, Willian and Jorginho in the pecking order at Stamford Bridge.
Barkley was ineffective against the Hammers in West Ham’s 3-2 win over Chelsea in midweek.
Insider delivers Barkley verdict as some fans raise doubts
As a result some fans have questioned whether he would really improve West Ham.
But Lampard continues to play the midfielder and he rewarded his trust by scoring to help the Blues into the semi-finals of the FA Cup against Leicester and to a 3-0 win over Watford either side of the West Ham match.
Now reliable insider ExWHUemployee has delivered his verdict on a potential move for Barkley.
The anonymous Twitter and podcast personality says Barkley would be a brilliant signing.
And he is bemused that some supporters feel he would not improve the Hammers.
But Ex made it clear he would not want Barkley if it meant Chelsea getting Declan Rice as part of any deal.
“Massively!” Ex said when asked if he would take Barkley at West Ham.
‘Exactly what we need, but not in exchange for Rice’
“I think he is exactly what we need.
“It’s not because he is a big name! It’s because I think he is a very good player and have thought that since he was a youngster at Everton.
“I just think he has so much potential if someone can get him to reach that he is a quality player.
“I wouldn’t want him if Rice was involved obviously but that wasn’t the question. Took some stick today for suggesting he was would be a good signing for us but then I got the same for saying Ancelotti would be a good appointment.”
Ex then had a back and forth with several fans justifying his views on Barkley.
And he looked to end the debate by posting Barkley’s key stats from his last 10 starts for Chelsea showing the midfielder has three goals and five assists.
Ross Barkley in his last 10 starts for Chelsea 👇
3️⃣ goals
5️⃣ assists pic.twitter.com/cjIICHhVG8— Goal (@goal) July 4, 2020