The former Chelsea and Everton player has been in high demand since Luton Town’s relegation to the Championship.

Tottenham Hotspur are expected to be outbid by Premier League rivals Aston Villa for Luton Town midfielder Ross Barkley. According to sources, the Midlands club might confirm the agreement as early as this weekend.

That comes as a setback to the north London club, as HITC reported earlier this month that Ange Postecoglou’s side was competing for the 30-year-old with Manchester United, Newcastle United, and the Villains. Barkley experienced a revival at Kenilworth Road last season, scoring five goals and assisting four times in 32 Premier League outings.

With the Hatters dropping straight back to the Championship, Barkley is anticipated to make an immediate return to the top flight. The former Everton and Chelsea player joined the club as a free agent last summer, but the duration of his deal was never revealed.

According to Sky Sports writer Dan Bardell, Barkley is set to return to his previous club Aston Villa, where he appeared 24 times while on loan from Chelsea during the 2020/21 season.

Bardell stated, “That agreement is complete. He’s coming. I’ve heard from three reputable sources that it is completed. I would expect that to be completed over the weekend.”

Barkley will have the opportunity to play Champions League football under Unai Emery at Aston Villa, which finished fourth in the Premier League last season. The Villains were one spot and two points ahead of Tottenham, who will have to settle with Europa League football.

The midfielder received great plaudits last season, with Luton Town teammate and former Tottenham Hotspur player Andros Townsend even comparing him to Diego Maradona.

Speaking to talkSPORT, the winger said: “Honestly, they’ve been some of the best midfield performances I’ve seen in my career,”The calmness, the ability to get the ball off the back four and thump it past some of the world’s top midfielders without hesitation, is simply incredible.

“We saw yesterday against Manchester City that Maradona was in the middle to set up our goal; it’s been a joy to watch.

“In a manner, he’s instilled confidence in the players around him, including myself. Just having the calmness to take the ball under pressure is such an undervalued ability. He’s been amazing, and not only has he been a pleasure to play with, but also to watch.”