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Manchester City are weighing up a £25million move for Everton’s England ace Ross Barkley using Jack Rodwell as bait.

The champions are interested in attacking midfielder Barkley, 20, who excelled last season.

Barkley proved his pedigree while with England’s World Cup squad, and started the final match of their group against Costa Rica.

City are aware they need to build up the number of ‘home grown’ players after a summer clear-out that will see Gareth Barry, Joleon Lescott, Micah Richards, Scott Sinclair and, possibly, James Milner leave.

City’s unsettled former Everton midfielder Rodwell, 23, is keen to return to Goodison Park after becoming frustrated by a lack of first team opportunities, and that is something Barkley would need to consider.

He played a key role in Everton’s fifth placed finish last season, making 38 appearances in all competitions.

Video: Ross Barkley highlights

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Rodwell has several Premier League clubs eyeing him including also Sunderland and Newcastle and wants a move after only making seven league starts since joining City in August 2012 for £12m.

But Rodwell favours a permanent switch back to his local club Everton where he believes Roberto Martinez can revive his career.

City feel they may tempt Everton into selling prized asset Barkley if they throw Rodwell into the deal.