Tottenham are considering whether to delay their move for Ross Barkley due to the Everton midfielder’s injury problems.

Spurs today sold Kevin Wimmer to Stoke for £18million, a tidy profit after they bought him from Cologne for £4.3m only two years ago, and the deal is likely to spark more transfer activity at the club.

But Standard Sport understands there is now uncertainty about whether Barkley, a long-term target, will arrive this month.

Tottenham have been interested in the 23-year-old since last winter but are aware that his hamstring injury is set to keep him on the sidelines for much of the rest of this year.

Barkley is out of contract next summer, and has also attracted interest from Chelsea.

Tottenham’s issue is whether to sign him now, but be without him for a significant period while he recovers, or take a step back, possibly clearing the way for others buy the England international.