Ross Barkley comments on Manchester United speculation

Ross Barkley has insisted he is "focused" on Luton Town's survival fight amid interest from Manchester United.

There has been a suggestion that Barkley could reunite with Sir Jim Ratcliffe after previously playing for Ligue 1 side Nice, who are owned by the Man United shareholder.

The midfielder has emerged as a potential target for the Red Devils after putting in a number of impressive performances since signing for Luton last summer.

As it stands, Barkley could be available on a free transfer, with his Luton deal reportedly set to expire at the end of the season.

While he appears to be on Man United's radar, Barkley has no intention of entertaining those rumours, insisting his prime focus is on Luton's survival bid.

"I want to play in the Premier League," Barkley told Sky Sports News. "I want to play in Europe again but I'm not really focused on that now.

"I want to help the club stay in the league. I love the club. It's helped me so much and I owe them a lot. So I'm focused on that and thinking about nothing other than helping them do that."

Barkley is hopeful his consistent performances can catch the attention of England boss Gareth Southgate despite making the most recent of his 33 international appearances in 2019.

"I feel like now my standards have maintained consistent levels this season," Barkley added. "I'm hoping that I do get a call-up, whether that's in the summer or next season.

"It's a goal of mine to get back in the squad. In the position I'm playing now, I feel confident that I can bring something to the squad. The way I play now is a lot different from the way I played before in a more attacking role. So I'm confident, and hopefully, a call-up does come."

After making 179 appearances for Everton, Barkley went on to complete a move to Chelsea in the summer of 2018 for a reported £15m.

Despite featuring in 100 games for the Blues, the 30-year-old was unable to establish himself at Stamford Bridge and subsequently spent time out on loan at Aston Villa.

After signing for Nice on a free transfer in the summer of 2022, Barkley spent just one year in the French Rivera before joining Rob Edwards's side ahead of the current campaign.

Barkley has operated in a slightly deeper role than in previous stages of his career, having been given the license to dictate the Luton midfield.

The former Everton man has ultimately enjoyed a successful season at Kenilworth Road, scoring four goals and providing six assists in 32 competitive appearances.

Luton are currently sitting in the relegation zone on goal difference as they prepare to face Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

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