Manchester City put off by Ross Barkley's £50m price tag

Manchester City were willing to pay £30m for the 20-year-old midfielder, but were told that only a bid of over £50m would tempt the Toffees into selling.

Barkley will miss the first 10 weeks of the season with torn knee ligaments.

By Adam Bailey24 August 2014 07:45 BST

According to the Sunday Mirror, Manchester City dropped their pursuit of midfielder Ross Barkley when Everton demanded £50m for the player.

Manuel Pellegrini was keen to add the England midfielder to his squad after the 20-year-old gave a sensational performance in City's 3-2 victory over the Toffees at Goodison Park in May. The Premier League champions were prepared to offer £30m plus additional payments but were told they would have to make a bid of over £50m for Everton to consider selling.

A source close to Manchester City said: “Barkley was seen as one of the few homegrown English players in the world game who would improve the squad.”

Barkley has since committed his future to Everton after signing a new four-year deal with the club.