Southampton interested in signing free agent Ross Barkley

Southampton are among the clubs exploring a deal for Ross Barkley after the midfielder was released by Chelsea earlier this week.

The 28-year-old’s £200,000-a-week contract at Stamford Bridge was cancelled by mutual consent, leaving him as a free agent.

Southampton are interested in securing his signature, with Ralph Hasenhuttl keen to add a midfielder to his ranks.

Hasenhuttl’s need for a fresh face in the middle of the park may have become a priority after Romeo Lavia went off injured in his side’s 2-1 win against Chelsea on Tuesday.

The Austrian manager’s initial assessment of Lavia’s injury was not a positive one, as he admitted that he expects the teenager to be ruled out for a ‘long’ time.

The Saints could now turn to Barkley to cover for Lavia if he is sidelined for a significant length of time. 

Barkley has endured a difficult period in his career since leaving Everton to join Chelsea in 2018.

He made just 100 appearances for the Blues during his four-year stay, and he featured only six times in the Premier League last term.

The 33-cap international was sent out on loan to Aston Villa for the 2020-21 season, but failed to make enough of an impact to earn himself a permanent move.

He is now looking for a new club, and Southampton could give him an opportunity to resurrect his career if they follow through on their initial interest.