West Ham United are planning a loan move for Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley, as reported by The Mirror.

What's the story?

The Hammers are chasing a temporary deal for the England international, though Chelsea are so far reluctant to let him leave Stamford Bridge.

However, David Moyes is maintaining hope that Barkley will push for a move, which could see him get the game time needed to help his cause for a place in Gareth Southgate's Euro 2020 England squad.

It is suggested within the report that Franck Kessie is also a target, though Barkley is the main man on Moyes' mind.

This comes with the midfielder having made just six Premier League starts and one substitute appearance this campaign.

Where he fits best

While Moyes will seemingly be delighted to have Barkley among his ranks, the move could actually give him a bit of a selection headache.

That is because the Scotsman will have a decision to make regarding whether to utilise the 26-year-old as a deep-lying midfielder or someone whose base position is higher up the pitch.

Throughout the current season, Barkley has mostly been utilised as a midfielder, averaging 1 tackle and 0.7 interceptions per Premier League game.

However, it can be suggested that his skillset would suit a more progressive role, especially as he averages 1.6 key passes and 1.3 dribbles, while still completing 87.4% of his attempted passes.

Though, it does have to be said that having him in the higher positions could cause problems for Manuel Lanzini and Pablo Fornals, as they are already competing for one spot in the team. Adding a further player for that role would bring its fair share of problems and headaches.

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Therefore, while Barkley coming into the squad would certainly be a positive sign for the Hammers as they look to push up the table, it would also give Moyes something he needs to think about.

Meanwhile, West Ham must prevent one of their key men going into a toxic cycle.