Ross Barkley was one of the names that dominated the summer transfer window, but since the season has begun, the Everton midfielder has been lost in the background.

The 23-year-old has not played a single minute of competitive action this season due to a hamstring injury.

During the summer break, the England international was heavily linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur, while Chelsea were also rumoured suitors.

Then-Everton manager Ronald Koeman publicly claimed that Barkley would be sold if he did not sign a new contract, and even though the midfielder decided against putting pen to paper, a transfer never materialised.

The rumours could begin swirling again once the January window opens, but at the moment the main focus is on the player regaining his fitness.

This week, Barkley made a rare appearance for the club, giving his backing to the BBC's Children in Need charity by supporting a fundraising challenge on Merseyside.

Everton tweeted details of the charitable initiative, and the fans turned their attention to Barkley.

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