NEWCASTLE United have become the favourites to sign Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley.

The 27-year-old has been in pre-season training with Chelsea but is unlikely to feature much this season with the amount of midfielders ahead of him for a place in Thomas Tuchel's side. 

Barkley spent last season on loan with Aston Villa and made 27 appearances in all competitions, scoring four goals. 

Arsenal midfielder Joe Willock remains a top priority on the club's transfer list this summer with manager Steve Bruce admitting they need an answer from the Gunners sooner rather than later. 

With the clock ticking on the transfer window and the beginning of the Premier League season, Bruce's hand may be forced to make a decision with the boss admitting he's desperately short in the midfield department. 

Premier League clubs are only allowed two domestic loans and if a deal for Willock fails to materialise, Barkley could prove to be a very solid option for the Magpies. 

Barkley's career started with Everton where he made 150 league appearances for the Toffees before a move to Chelsea in 2018 for a reported fee of £15 million. 

He's also appeared in 33 games for England scoring six goals.