Ferguson keeping tabs on Merseyside midfielder - reports

Manchester United are reportedly monitoring Everton teenager Ross Barkley, as the midfielder begins to make his mark on David Moyes' first team.

According to The People, the Barclays Premier League champions have been keeping tabs Barkley, who has impressed on his two league outings for the Toffees so far this season.

Sir Alex Ferguson, it has been claimed, is a huge admirer of the 17-year-old, who is regarded as Everton's brightest prospect since the emergence of Wayne Rooney.

The United striker moved to Old Trafford two years after breaking into the senior side at Goodison Park and, it would seem, Barkley could eventually follow suit.




 

United have been making a concerted effort to invest in youth of late, with the signings of Chris Smalling and, latterly, Phil Jones and David De Gea ushering a new era at the club.

And, with Ferguson also putting his faith in the likes of Tom Cleverley and Danny Welbeck, Barkley would thrive should he eventually join United.

Barkley, who won the UEFA European Under-17 Football Championship with England last year, has been hailed by former Arsenal defender Martin Keown as "one of the best players we'll ever see in this country."