According to the Daily Mail, Manchester City have been impressed by Everton youngster Ross Barkley, and view him as a possible eventual replacement for Yaya Touré. Despite the fact that the Ivory Coast midfielder is on a four-year contract, there's always a chance a bid from a team like Paris Saint-German could come along ... or they could forget to give Touré a birthday cake.

It's not a particular bold statement to claim that an EPL team is interested in Ross Barkley, since every single one of them would love to have him on their roster. That said, Everton will be in no hurry to sell Barkley, and they've made it clear they have no intention of selling the 20-year-old.

At this point, City have made no formal approach about Barkley, but all that could change were Touré to leave as he has not felt appreciated at the club.

Barkley moving on might be inevitable in the future, but as long as the Toffees continue to chase a top four place and play European football, it should make it much easier for Roberto Martinez to keep him at Goodison. Martinez has reportedly put a £50 million price tag on the young Englishman.

Isn't the silly season fun?