Celtic are reportedly one of a number of clubs who are eyeing a move for Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley, with the Englishman seemingly set to end his Stamford Bridge ordeal this summer.

What's the word?

According to journalist Simon Phillips, the Old Firm giants have made an approach to bring the 28-year-old to Parkhead on a permanent deal, with the suggestion being that he will move on from the Premier League outfit before the September deadline.

Writing on Twitter about the 33-cap playmaker, the transfer insider stated: "Ross Barkley has an offer from Celtic (permanent). Other clubs still interested - Brighton, Newcastle, West Ham, Aston Villa and Everton. Will leave this window."

The former Everton man - who joined the west London side in January 2018 on a £15m deal - is one of a handful of players at his current side who have not been handed a shirt number for the new season, with a departure all but inevitable.

Good move

While it has been a frustrating last few years for Barkley at his current side after failing to ever truly nail down a regular starting berth, a deal would still represent something of a coup for the Scottish Champions, such is the undoubted talent that the £10.8m-rated man does possess.

Once likened to compatriot Paul Gascoigne for his ball-playing quality, the £100k-per-week gem offers a real threat in the final third, having notably provided 55 goal contributions in 179 games during his stint at Goodison Park.

While his time with the Blues has seen him score just 12 goals and provided 11 assists in 99 games across all fronts, the 6 foot 2 menace has hardly been afforded a consistent run of games, with a more prominent role in Glasgow likely to see him flourish.

That is the view of pundit Gabby Agbonlahor, who suggested it would represent a "good move" for the player - as well as the club - were he to link up with Ange Postecoglou's side in the coming weeks.

Dubbed "an absolute diamond of a player" by talkSPORT's Trevor Sinclair, the Liverpool-born man could well help to fill the creative void left behind by Tom Rogic, following the Australian magician's departure at the end of last season.

A player to act as the link between midfield and the forward line, Barkley would no doubt thrive in such a dynamic role, with Postecoglou's side set to be bolstered even further if they can get him through the door.

With big European nights to come at Celtic Park this season, having such a quality asset in tow who has Champions League experience under his belt could well prove vital.

It would seemingly represent a good move for all concerned.