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West Ham linked with 'audacious' Barkley loan with Moyes keen on a reunion with Chelsea midfielder

West Ham United have reportedly made an ‘audacious’ bid to take Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley on loan until the end of the season, with David Moyes looking to reunite with the player he nurtured at Everton.

The England midfielder has fallen out of favour at Chelsea in recent weeks and Moyes hopes the opportunity of guaranteed first team football ahead of Euro 2020 in the summer could persuade him to move.

Barkley started the season well under new Chelsea boss Frank Lampard, but has only made two appearances for the Blues since October. The 26-year-old has featured just 11 times for the Stamford Bridge club since the summer, scoring two goals.

According to the Daily Mirror however, Chelsea have no plans to let Barkley leave this month and insist that he remains a crucial part of their squad.

West Ham are said to have lined up AC Milan midfielder Frank Kessie as an alternative, but have reportedly not given up hope of bringing Barkley to the club this month.

Midfield has been a problem area for the Hammers this term, with Jack Wilshere and Carlos Sanchez both struggling to stay fit.

Meanwhile, summer signing Pablo Fornals has failed to make an impression, starting just 12 matches so far this season.

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