Tottenham Hotspur were leading the race for Ross Barkley, but AC Milan are now the surprising front-runners, according to the bookies.

Popular bookmakers SkyBET have installed Italian giants AC Milan as new favourites in the race to sign Toffees star Ross Barkley, whilst Spurs have drifted out in the listings.

The 23-year-old’s future at Goodison Park is unclear, with numerous reports linking him with an exit from Everton.

The Merseyside-born England international burst onto the scene during the 2011/12 season as a then 17-year-old, and despite impressing during the early stages of his time with the Blues, his career seems to have stagnated over the past 12 months or so.

Everton’s Ross Barkley

Ronald Koeman was quite clearly not happy with Barkley at certain times last season, and relegated the midfielder to the substitutes bench.

If he is not given assurances over regular first-team football next term, especially after the arrival of Davy Klaassen, he will surely be looking for a move away from Everton.

And SkyBET believe his next destination could be the San Siro. They make AC Milan 6/4 favourites to sign Barkley, ahead of Tottenham at 5/1 and Chelsea at 6/1.

The more pedestrian style of the Italian league could be one where the Everton man would flourish, and despite the Rossoneri’s fall from grace in recent years, they are now on the rise once again following their Chinese takeover, and a move to Milan could be an attractive prospect for Barkley.

Everton’s Ross Barkley

In other news, After reported Aston Villa bid, director says £18m ace might have played his final game