Everton midfielder Ross Barkley out for six weeks

Bengaluru, August 17: In-demand Everton star Ross Barkley ruled out for six weeks with a torn hamstring after scans confirmed fears of a lengthy lay-off for the England international playmaker.

The injury, understood to be a 'Grade 3', could have ended his hopes in a move away from Everton this month with the 23-year-old facing a battle to be fully fit before October.

Tottenham, Chelsea and Arsenal have all shown interest in the England midfielder and Everton also were looking to sell him for a large sum of money but as things stand, a move is unlikely to happen this summer.

Chelsea, in particular, need players now and have stepped up their pursuit of Arsenal's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Leicester's Danny Drinkwater.

Tottenham are meanwhile negotiating with Celta Vigo for Pape Cheikh Diop and are also in talks with Ajax for versatile defender Davinson Sanchez, who they believe can also operate in midfield.

Barkley has just one year left on his contract and, while Everton say they won't sell him cheaply this month, his value will diminish if he stays and holds out until January when he can talk to foreign clubs for pre-contract.

Tottenham view Barkley for the long-term rather than a signing who can make an immediate impact with in-form Christian Eriksen and Dele Alli holding the positions the Everton midfielder favours.

Barkley has not featured for Everton in pre-season and had only just returned to first-team training following a hernia operation before pulling up in pain during Monday's (August 14) session and being helped out from the pitch.

Everton have confirmed the £45million signing of Swansea's Gylfi Sigurdsson on Wednesday (August 16). The Iceland international's arrival cleared the way for Gareth Barry to join West Bromwich Albion for £1m.

The capture of Sigurdsson makes him an ideal replacement for Ross Barkley, whether the English midfielder misses due to injury or is permanently moved on via a transfer. We are definitely in for an exciting last few weeks of the transfer window.