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Everton are hopeful of agreeing a contract extension and a big pay rise for their England starlet, who has three Three Lions caps.

But the Daily Star Sunday can reveal that City have joined United in hoping to prise Barkley, 20, from Goodison.

United boss David Moyes gave the midfielder his debut when he was in charge at Everton and has made him a top target.

Moyes and United chief executive Ed Woodward had a five-hour meeting last Monday to discuss transfer targets and Barkley was a key part of the conversation.

The United boss would like the deal done BEFORE next summer’s World Cup.

United could offer Tom Cleverley – who played for Everton boss Roberto Martinez as a loan signing at Wigan – as part of the deal.

But City spies who assessed Arsenal against Everton last Sunday, ahead of yesterday’s match at The Etihad, came back raving about Barkley.

Txiki Begiristain, City’s sporting director, also claims to have been tracking Barkley for two years.

Everton, however, are confident Barkley will stay, as he has made it clear he is happy playing under Martinez.

What is clear is that Barkley, who has three years remaining on his current Everton deal, is now the most-wanted young player in the country.