Liverpool mayor wants police to investigate Barkley’s Chelsea switch

Liverpool’s Mayor Joe Anderson has reportedly asked the police to investigate any possible wrongdoing surrounding Ross Barkley’s recent move from Everton to Chelsea.

Anderson has written to Merseyside Police, as well as the FA and the Premier League, expressing his concern that Barkley’s value dropped by £20million in just four months, following his £15m switch to Stamford Bridge.

The Labour politician, who is an Everton fan, is suspicious because Chelsea agreed a £35m fee with Everton on deadline day in August, only for the midfielder to pull out of the deal.

Anderson points out that Barkley has not played “a single minute for Everton” in the intervening period and said: “At best, this represents a very poor deal for Everton Football Club.

“At worst, it could be seen as a deliberate attempt to drive down a player’s value in the transfer market so as to benefit the player, his agent and the buying club.”

Merseyside Police have confirmed that they have received Anderson’s letter and that it “is currently being considered”, as reported by the Daily Mirror.