Luton Town midfielder Ross Barkley is in talks to join Aston Villa on a permanent transfer. Barkley, 30, joined Luton as a free agent last summer after leaving French club Nice.

What happened?

Ross Barkley made 37 appearances for Rob Edwards’ side, scoring five goals, but was unable to prevent the club’s relegation from the Premier League.

Why it matters for Luton Town

Barkley’s contract at Luton runs beyond this summer, and Villa must agree a transfer fee to secure the services of the former Everton and Chelsea player.

What comes next?

Villa head coach Unai Emery is prioritising the addition of a central midfielder this summer as he seeks to bolster his squad ahead of a return to the Champions League next season. | Stat | Value | | --- | --- | | Appearances for Luton | 37 | | Goals scored | 5 | | Age | 30 | Barkley, who has been capped 33 times by England, could become Villa’s first arrival of the summer transfer window. And with Villa finishing fourth in the Premier League this season, they will be looking to strengthen their squad for the Champions League. So Barkley’s potential transfer could be a key signing for Villa. But for Luton Town, losing Barkley would be a significant blow, given his experience and skill. | Team | League Position | | --- | --- | | Aston Villa | 4th | | Luton Town | Relegated | Barkley began his career at Everton, where he made 179 appearances across six seasons, before a January 2018 transfer to Chelsea — where he made 100 appearances alongside his loan stint at Villa — and season-long spells at Nice and Luton. And with his contract at Luton running beyond this summer, a transfer fee will need to be agreed for him to join Villa. But for now, the talks are ongoing, and a deal has not yet been reached. So the future of Ross Barkley remains uncertain, with his potential transfer to Aston Villa still in the balance.