Ross Barkley

[Toronto Villa]

Jack wasn't going to get a new contract and then all of a sudden he got one. It is well documented how quickly it happened. I assume they are keeping tabs on Ross, how he plays, whether he wants to stay, whether Chelsea want him back or not with a new manager who wil want his own players. Any number of things will change between now and the end of the season. I imagine if we want him and he wants to stay we could work something out for someone who was a fringe player for them.

[ChicagoLion]

Problem Chelsea have is that they change their manager so often, they don't dare sell him in case the next one wanted to play him. Our problem is he's missed a chunk of the season with a Hamstring injury and we need to see how long he stays fit during the rest of the season.

agree if he can stay fit then fine but another breakdown and I think he will be off.

[Ian.]

I’d like him to stay, he definitely adds to our team/squad, but I also hope we’re at a position if he does stay, but he’s not quite on his game we don’t keep picking him in the first 11 regardless because of who he is.

[wittonwarrior]

Reading between the lines perhaps Dean Smith has reservations over the whole package.

[Russ aka Big Nose]

There are a few variables that make it a difficult one to call. With any prospective signing you have to consider the fee, wages, role in the team and impact on the squad (positive or negative) and who else is available.

Though with Barkley you also have to factor in:
1. Fitness - can he be kept fit?
2. Attitude/motivation
3. Relationship with key players

For me, 2 and 3 are really important. He looks keen because the next six months probably determine his earning potential and playing involvement for a number of years because he (most likely) won't get in the Chelsea first team.

Any deal has to be well structured because big money without the right incentives and he could be a very different proposition.

I wouldn't ordinarily favour players having undue influence, though his relationship with Grealish seems very strong and if having him at Villa increases the prospect of Grealish being happy, then that also becomes part of the equation. UTV

[Bobby Boy]

He was shocking tonight. Lightweight, easily muscled off the ball. Poor passing. Lethargic.

I know he's been injured but if he's fit enough to be selected then he has to be better than what he's shown tonight.

[Risso]

He's been gash since he came back from injury.  Good goal at the weekend but his all round play has been terrible.

[Tuscans]

A Danny Drinkwater kind of performance.

[danno]

Is he aware this isn't walking football? The only nice thing I can say is he wasn't the worst player out there tonight.

[CT]

There’s no way he starts at the weekend after that “effort”.

[Ads]

Since his injury he has been fucking shite.

[Monty]

Can't play in combative games where Jack is marked out of it. Sorry, but if that happens again this season Ross should go off in the first half Mourinho-style.

[Aldridge Villa]

Seemed to be running in treacle tonight. I’m far from convinced.

[Risso]

With them doubling up on Jack, this was made for him tonight, but he rivalled Martinez for most inept performer.

[Bryan]

Not a fan as I said after the game with burnley. We lose more than we win with him in the side and we concede far more goals to accommodate him.

If he’s not fit, he should not start.