Newcastle United & Everton-linked midfielder signs three-year contract after £5m Premier League transfer

The 30-year-old has been tentatively linked with a handful of Premier League clubs, including Newcastle United and Everton, after reigniting his career with the Hatters, where he scored five goals and provided four assists in 32 Premier League matches last season.

Barkley previously spent the 2020-21 campaign on loan at Villa during his failed four-year spell at Chelsea.

“For me, and everyone else at the club and the fans, [the ambition] is to win a trophy,” Barkely said on his move to Villa. The club came so close last season and were unfortunate. With additions to the already great squad that we’ve got it’s going to be pivotal for the season. Hopefully we can win a trophy.

“Over the last few years the club has made huge strides since I was last at the club. As an outsider looking in, it looked fantastic, and to be a part of that is fantastic for me. Playing in the Champions League is a big incentive for me and the club, so I’m looking forward to that.”

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It’s understood Newcastle’s interest in Barkley was never serious, although some supporters did suggest a move would be wise after he starred in Luton’s 4-4 draw on Tyneside in February.

Barkley scored and grabbed an assist, and speaking after the game, he gained the respect of fans after waxing lyrical about the club and St James’ Park.

He said: “We knew what we were going to come up against. Newcastle are a top side, great on the transition and the counter. They played well, we played well. It was a bit of a basketball game. But it was an entertaining game and a good one to be a part of.

"I do know that as I did love used to playing against Newcastle. It’s a great club, I’m a fan of the club, stadium’s brilliant, great atmosphere from the fans and I like playing in stadiums like this as well. It’s nice to get a goal and I seem to have a bit of luck playing against them as well. "