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The 20-year-old Everton star has earned rave reviews this season with a string of stunning displays that have put him in line to play at the World Cup with England.

Starsport understands Liverpool are willing to smash their transfer record to land the midfield ace with boss Brendan Rodgers a huge admirer.

But he will face a battle to sign him, with any possibility of Barkley being up for grabs sure to spark interest from a string of Premier League rivals including the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea.

Everton insist they are not willing to listen to offers for their star midfielder and instead hope to tie Barkley down to a new long-term deal in the summer with a massive pay rise.

Goodison boss Roberto Martinez recently said he would reject any bid.

But such a huge offer may prove too tempting to turn down.

Barkley is a Toffees fan and has been at the club since he was a child so a move to Liverpool could cause problems for him and his family.

And it will take a lot to persuade him to leave Goodison Park for any club if Martinez's side qualify for the Champions League.

Any hopes of landing Barkley will be significantly increased if Arsenal pip the Toffees to the top four.

Liverpool also know Everton will do everything possible to stop their prized asset making the short move across Stanley Park to their arch rivals.

The last player to make the same move was Portugal defender Abel Xavier in 2002.

Rodgers will be looking to strengthen significantly in the summer whether Liverpool win the title or not.

He is keen to ensure their title challenge is not a flash in the pan and will be backed again by club owners Fenway Sports Group with a list of other top targets currently being drawn up.

The American owners are happy to splash the cash on young English talent as they proved when they gave former boss Kenny Dalglish a record £35m to bring Andy Carroll to Anfield in 2011.

Carroll was eventually sold by Rodgers to West Ham at a £20m loss.

But it would be no such gamble with Barkley if - and it is a big if - they can get him to Anfield.