Express & Star journalist Luke Hatfield reckons Chelsea will struggle to sell Ross Barkley due to his inflated wages.

Barkley has returned to Stamford Bridge after spending last season on loan with Premier League rivals Aston Villa.

Villa opted against pursuing Barkley in a permanent deal after the midfielder made just 27 appearances as a hamstring injury limited his progress.

Barkley has two years remaining on his £96,154-per-week deal, which was signed following his £15million switch from Everton in 2018.

Reports suggest West Ham United are interested in the 27-year-old, with Hammers boss David Moyes keen to reunite with Barkley having played a key role in the early stages of his career at Everton.

Barkley is seen as a back-up option if the east Londoners fail to sign Jesse Lingard, who spent the second half of last term on loan from Manchester United.

However, Hatfield - who watched Barkley closely during his temporary spell at Villa Park - would not be surprised to see Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel struggling to offload the former England international midfielder.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, he said: "I think Chelsea will struggle to ship him out, especially with the wages and money they want for him.

"They paid an awful lot for him and I don't think there is a club who's going to be willing to match that outlay.

"It's unfortunate for the player because he could find himself in a sticky situation."