Lineker: Barkley just like Gascoigne

Former England international Gary Lineker says Ross Barkley reminds him of his old international team-mate Paul Gascoigne.

Lineker, who scored 48 goals in 80 international appearances, believes manager Roy Hodgson should put faith in the younger members of his squad at the 2014 World Cup - particularly Barkley, who has shone in the Premier League for Everton this season.

"I see things in Barkley's game, in terms of strengths and weaknesses," Lineker told the Daily Mail.

"Like Gazza he can go past people. He's incredibly strong. He's got a similar stature, got amazing ability and will score amazing goals like Gazza.

"On the defensive side he's slightly lacking in terms of tactical nous, but if you play him in a certain position that wouldn't necessarily be that important."

Barkley is one of a number of players in England's squad with a relative lack of experience at international level, together with the likes of Liverpool's Raheem Sterling and Adam Lallana of Southampton.

"I think a good percentage of them (the younger players) will start," added Lineker.

"I think he (Roy Hodgson) knows that's his best chance, rather than trying the ones that have been there, seen that, done it.

"Sterling is a phenomenal talent. He's probably the best of the youngsters.

"He looks slightly ahead of Barkley in terms of consistency, and his ability to play in a number of positions is incredible for one so inexperienced.

"Lallana is a beautiful footballer. He lacks a bit of pace but he is wonderfully gifted with both feet and he keeps the ball well. Daniel Sturridge could also comfortably emerge and become a star."

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Roberto Martinez: £50m only enough for Ross Barkley loan

Roberto Martinez has responded to reports Manchester United could be set for a £50m bid for Ross Barkley by insisting it would only be enough to sign the youngster on loan.

Barkley has been one of the shining stars in Everton’s flying start to the season, attracting attention from across the Premier League.

Manchester United and Chelsea have both been linked with moves for the 20-year-old midfielder in January, but Toffees boss Martinez has categorically ruled out selling the England international.

‘Fifty million? We wouldn’t let anyone out on loan in January,’ Martinez joked. ‘We are in a strong position financially.

‘When you have to bring in money, then it can be a real difficult position as you can be anxious and frustrated.

‘When you have to make financial decisions the squad will not benefit but when you make football decisions then you are in a strong position.

‘If we can, we are going to add a couple of new faces and make sure we are stronger when the window closes.’

And Martinez also believes his side can resist again resist United’s advances for left-back Leighton Baines, who was targeted by David Moyes over the summer, as well as Barkley.

‘I have said many times that in football you can’t fight the trend of the game – but what you can dictate is the timing and everything you do should be for the good of the club,’ he added.

‘Everything that happens needs to be done in order to improve the squad, to give it a longer-term benefit. It has to be a football decision. I can guarantee that will be the case in January 100%.’

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