'Here we go' - Fabrizio Romano confirms Aston Villa have beaten Everton to £5m transfer agreement

Aston Villa are expected to complete the signing of Luton Town star Ross Barkley, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.

The 30-year-old looks all but set for a return to Villa Park where he could become the first signing of the summer. Barkley has strongly been linked with a move to the Villains and now more details have come to light about his proposed move.

Villa will pay a transfer fee of £5m to secure his services and there are several layers to overcome such as a medical and a signature from Barkley. The deal is expected to be concluded at the start of next month in time for pre-season.

In a post shared on X at mid-day, Romano said: “EXCL: Aston Villa have reached verbal agreement with Luton Town to sign Ross Barkley.

"Understand fee will be around £5m.

"Final part needed, medical tests and player’s formal signature — agreement on player side expected at the beginning of July.

"Here we go, soon,” along with an egg timer emoji.

The news comes as a blow as Football Insider reported last week that Everton had been planning to hijack a move for Barkley. He began his career at Goodison Park and was a popular figure for the Toffees, playing more than 170 times and earned the Merseyside club £15m in 2018.

Everton though are now carefully considering their next steps after the proposed takeover by 777 Partners fell through after missing the deadline. The club are now assessing their next options and transfers may not be on the top of their agenda with the very future of the club at stake.

Barkley spent the 2020/21 season on loan at Aston Villa and registered three goals and assist as the club finished 11th. He returned to parent club Chelsea and had a bit-part role at Stamford Bridge before spending a season on loan at Nice, helping them qualify for Europe. Barkley was a free agent last summer and joined Luton Town, and became a key player for Hatters as they bravely fought against relegation. He notched up five goals and four assists in 32 games but could not prevent Luton from being relegated.