Southampton urged to rival Sheffield United for Aston Villa star - 'I’d absolutely love to see it' | OneFootball

FLW's Southampton fan pundit has given his verdict on a possible move for Ross Barkley this January

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Sheffield United have been linked with a move for Ross Barkley from Aston Villa this January, which could trigger some consideration from Southampton.

According to Football Insider, the Blades are keen on a loan move for the midfielder, who has fallen down the pecking order of Unai Emery’s side this season.

The 32-year-old is out of contract in the summer, albeit with the club holding the option to extend it by a further 12 months.

The Saints lack experience from their midfield options, such as Shea Charles, Caspar Jander and Cameron Bragg, along with 26-year-old Flynn Downes.

While no links have yet emerged between the Hampshire outfit and the Aston Villa star, he could become someone of interest if he turns out to be a viable option amid this interest from Sheffield United.

Southampton urged to pursue Ross Barkley deal

When asked if Barkley is someone who should be on the club’s radar, FLW’s Southampton fan pundit Martin Sanders claimed that he is the exact kind of leader and experienced star that Tonda Eckert’s side could use amid their push for promotion.

He believes the return of Oriol Romeu back to St. Mary’s hasn’t worked, and that they require someone who can make an instant impact on the team now, but he doesn’t expect the Saints to consider attempting to get this deal over the line.

“I didn’t realise Sheffield United were in for him, but we should absolutely be being in for someone like Ross Barkley, if you can get him on a deal,” Sanders told Football League World.

“Because he is probably everything we need at the moment.

“We need experience, we need leadership, we need someone that has actually played at the top level.

“I was thinking the other day, the one thing we really miss is a backbone, a spine that’s got experience in it, people that have played in the top level.

“We don’t have enough of that, and it lets us down a lot, especially in game management, you just need those savvy players.

“We brought Romeu back, and he’s just not been able to get himself back up to speed quick enough to make a real impact.

“Whoever comes in now needs to come in and make an impact.

“Ross Barkley is a player I think every Southampton fan would be very interested in.

“Is it someone we would probably go in for? Under the current way they do recruitment, I don’t think so, but I’d absolutely love to see it.”

Barkley is currently out of action with an injury, but he is set to make his return to fitness in February.

Sheffield United are weighing up a loan offer, although his significant wages are seen as a stumbling block at this stage.

Meanwhile, Southampton are 15th in the Championship table, just one place above the Blades, eight points adrift of the top six, while also having played a game more than some of their rivals.

Next up for Eckert’s side is a home clash against Hull City on 17 January in a 3pm kick-off.

Ross Barkley on loan would be useful for Southampton

Provided Barkley could remain fit for the entirety of the second half of the campaign, and a reasonable deal to cover his wages could be agreed, he could be a useful signing for Eckert’s side.

Bringing the 32-year-old on loan would give the team a big dressing room leader that knows what it takes to compete at the highest level.

He is someone that could provide mentorship for the younger members of the midfield in the squad, while also contributing to the club’s promotion ambitions.

However, his fitness record is an issue, and it’s unclear whether he’d be open to a move to the Championship at this moment.