ESPN REPORT: Luton midfielder Ross Barkley Rejects Aston Villa Offer Of 57 Million….

Villa are more optimistic of signing Ross Barkley from Luton.

Aston Villa’s John McGinn, Luton Town’s Ross Barkley, and Aston Villa’s Moussa Diaby compete for the ball
The 30-year-old midfielder has attracted interest from a number of clubs, but Villa are now at the top of the list. Barkley has been given a three-year contract to make a permanent return to Villa, having previously played for the club on loan from Chelsea in 2020-21.

Luton manager Rob Edwards stated that the inability to provide midfielder Luke Berry with the regular first-team games he had hoped for was the reason he chose not to extend his contract for an eighth season at Kenilworth Road.

Since joining the Hatters in 2017, while Luton were still in League Two, the 30-year-old has become a huge fan favourite. He went on to play a significant role in the club’s three promotions, scoring 26 goals in 184 games, despite playing 20 times this season and starting only four, the Premier League matches against Spurs and Manchester City, as well as the League Cup ties against Gillingham and Exeter City.

Berry still managed to score twice, including a last-minute equaliser against Nottingham Forest at Kenilworth Road that was regarded as one of the season’s highlights, as he became the first Town player to score in the top four levels of English football. The previous season, the ex-Cambridge player appeared in 27 games, although only six of them started, four of which were in the Championship, and he also scored in Luton’s penalty shootout victory over Coventry City.

Although Town could have extended his contract, it was determined that he would leave Kenilworth Road this summer, with Charlton Athletic, now led by former manager Nathan Jones, who signed him seven years ago, being connected with his signing. Regarding Berry’s decision to leave Bedfordshire, Edwards stated, “Bez is someone I have a lot of respect for.

“He hasn’t played as much as he would want, but we all know he wants to play football. I can’t keep promising him that every week. We’ve had some nice, honest conversations. I adore him and want the best for him as well. He came in and scored a penalty in the play-off final, which we’ll always remember, but he’s been fantastic this season when called upon and has contributed in key situations.

“Who will ever forget the late equaliser against Forest? And his ability to score in every level is truly remarkable. He is a wonderful individual, and we believe this is the best move for both him and us in the future. So we congratulate him for everything he’s done for the club over the last seven years and wish him continued success in the future.”