'Deal done' - Tottenham Hotspur beaten to 'unbelievable' signing by Premier League rivals

Tottenham Hotspur are set to be beaten to the signing of Luton Town midfielder Ross Barkley by Premier League rivals Aston Villa. The Midlands club could confirm the deal as early as this weekend, according to reports.

That comes as a blow for the north London outfit, with HITC reporting earlier this month that Ange Postecoglou's side were in the race alongside Manchester United, Newcastle United and the Villains for the 30-year-old. Barkley enjoyed somewhat of a renaissance at Kenilworth Road last season, picking up five goals and four assists in 32 Premier League appearances.

With the Hatters plummeting straight back down to the Championship, Barkley is expected to secure an immediate return to the top flight. The former Everton and Chelsea man joined the club as a free agent last summer but the length of his contract was never disclosed.

Sky Sports reporter Dan Bardell has now told Villa News that Barkley is confirmed to return to his former club Aston Villa, where he made 24 appearances when on loan from Chelsea during the 2020/21 season.

Bardell said: “That deal’s done. He’s coming. I’ve heard from three reliable sources that it is done. I’d expect that to be done maybe over the weekend.“

Barkley will have the chance to play Champions League football under Unai Emery at Aston Villa after the side finished 4th in the Premier League last term. The Villains were one place and two points ahead of Spurs, who have had to settle for Europa League football.

The midfielder earned widespread praise over the course of the last season, with Luton Town teammate and former Tottenham Hotspur man Andros Townsend even going as far as to compare him to Diego Maradona.

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Speaking to talkSPORT, the winger said: “Honestly, they’ve been some of the best midfield performances I’ve seen in my career, “It’s just unbelievable – the calmness, the ability to get the ball off the back four and knock it past some of the world’s best midfielders without a care in the world.

“We saw yesterday against Man City, Maradona was in the midfield to set up our goal – honestly, it’s been a joy to watch.

“In a way, he’s given confidence to the rest of the players around him, including myself. Just that calmness to take the ball under pressure, it’s such an underrated skill. He’s been absolutely incredible and he’s been an absolute joy to play with, but a joy to watch as well.”