Ross Barkley could fit the bill for Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United, former Everton star tells talkSPORT

Ross Barkley could be the ideal for signing for Manchester United, the Everton's star former teammate Leon Osman has told talkSPORT.

The homegrown Toffees midfielder looks poised to leave Goodison Park this summer having so far refused the chance to extend his contract beyond 2018.

Tottenham are being heavily linked with the 23-year-old but Osman would not be surprised to see United boss Jose Mourinho make a move for the England international.

Speaking on the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast, Osman said of Barkley: "He is one of the top players in the Premier League.

“He has had a decent season for Everton, has scored some great goals and has showed what he is capable of.

“If a team feels he can do a job for them, they will get him at a snip.

"There has been a lot of talk about Tottenham and him going down there. They have got a fantastic team, but would he be the first name on the teamsheet? I don't know.

"I think someone like Man United might want him. Jose Mourinho likes his physical players, he likes everyone in his team to be powerful and big, and Ross Barkley certainly fits that bill."

Phil Neville has accused Ronald Koeman of being ‘obsessed’ with Barkley and trying to force him out of the door this summer after setting him a deadline to sign a new deal.

But Osman disagrees with his old teammate, claiming the Dutchman is simply trying to do the best for the club with his handling of the player.

He continued: "In football these days players have so much power. I just think Ronald Koeman is completely against that.

"Ronald Koeman is a man who wants control of everything that goes on at the football club. If it looks like Ross isn’t signing his contract, he is going to demand that things are sorted and will try to get as much money as he can.”