Ex-Aston Villa loan man linked with surprise exit

Luton Town midfielder Ross Barkley, who was on loan at Aston Villa back in the 2020/21 season, is on the radar of Manchester United, according to The Sun.

The Hatters swooped to sign the Liverpudlian last summer following their promotion from the Championship and he has since been a key player for the Hatters under the guidance of Rob Edwards.

Barkley, 30, made 33 caps for England earlier in his career and has really found his feet at Kenilworth Road.

Aston Villa make the trip down to Bedfordshire this weekend and will lock horns with a side who are fighting for their lives as they look to avoid an immediate return to the second tier.

Manchester United could see Barkley as someone to bolster their options in the middle of the park for a cut-price fee.

He rose up through the ranks at Everton and was lured to London by Chelsea back in 2018. However, his time at Stamford Bridge didn't go to plan.

Aston Villa landed him on loan in 2020 and he went on to play 24 games for the Midlands outfit in all competitions, chipping in with three goals, before heading back to his parent club.

The midfielder then spent time in France last year with OGC Nice before linking up with Luton.

Barkley's future with the Hatters is up in the air right now as they prepare to face Aston Villa, with Manchester United linked with a surprise summer move for him as they eye reinforcements.