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Ross Barkley could snub Man Utd as Luton star speaks out on transfer rumours
Man Utd have been linked with a summer transfer for Ross Barkley.
Manchester United may miss out on transfer target Ross Barkley with the midfielder insisting he “loves” playing for Luton. Barkley says he is focused on keeping the Hatters in the Premier League and will not think about his future until the end of the season.
Barkley has been linked with a move to Old Trafford. He previously played for Ligue 1 club Nice, who are owned by United shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
The former Chelsea and Everton star has excelled for Luton on his return to the Premier League this season. United are reportedly interested in a transfer ahead of a busy summer for the Red Devils but while Barkley wants to remain in the top-flight, he says his focus is with his current club.
“I want to play in the Premier League. I want to play in Europe again but I'm not really focused on that now. I want to help the club stay in the league. I love the club. It's helped me so much and I owe them a lot,” the 30-year-old told Sky Sports.
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"So I'm focused on that and thinking about nothing other than helping them do that. I feel like for the next three years maybe I'll still be in my prime years.
“I'm enjoying all the moments because I know over the last few years there's been ups and downs, frustrations and great moments. And now I feel ready to be at my best, consistent, in a great place in my head as well.
“I haven't had a lot of mileage over the last few years in my legs, so I feel fresh. I know it's the last games of the season coming up - but I feel like it's the start of the season."
Barkley has been one of Luton’s best players in an impressive season for Rob Edwards’s side. He has scored four goals and provided four assists in 27 Premier League matches, with Luton hoping to overcome Everton and Nottingham Forest in their battle for survival.
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Meanwhile, INEOS chief Ratcliffe is expected to oversee a major overhaul of both the playing and staff personnel at Old Trafford this summer. Erik ten Hag - whose own job is under threat - has seen his squad struggle despite a vast spend at the start of the campaign.
Ratcliffe hopes to appoint several key members of staff over the coming months. Omar Berrada is set to join from Manchester City as the club’s new CEO, a move that is considered a huge coup in Premier League boardrooms.
Negotiations continue over a deal that would see Dan Ashworth prised from Newcastle as United’s new sporting director. INEOS are also expected to appoint Southampton’s Jason Wilcox as technical director, with Darren Fletcher moving into a new role.