Gerrard Urges Barkley to Ignore Man United and Chelsea Transfer Rumours

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has urged Everton wonderkid Ross Barkley to remain at the Merseyside club and ignore the advances of some of the Premier League's biggest sides.

The 19 year old has started the season in superb fashion and has excelled after being given the chance to shine under new manager Roberto Martinez.

Barkley was handed his Premier League debut two years ago by David Moyes and there has been a suggestion that the former Everton boss would be interested in taking him to Manchester United in January.

The Metro recently reported that United and Chelsea were keen to snap up the hugely talented midfielder, with both clubs prepared to offer in the region of £20m for his signature.

These may well just have been rumours but Barkley was reportedly the subject of an inquiry from Manchester United when he was just 17 and is sure to be on the radar of the best clubs in the division after earning his first England cap.

Representing his country was a huge milestone for Barkley and it seems he received some advice from a fellow scouser who has also been the subject of bids from numerous sides across Europe.

"Steven [Gerrard] spoke to me a lot on England duty," Barkley told the Liverpool Daily Post. "He told me that I'm from Liverpool, a local lad playing for the team I support, and there is nothing better.

"He's done that throughout his career. He said playing is the main thing, going to another team and not playing is no good for my development.

"He was good to me when I was away. I sat next to him on the coach and he gave me loads of advice.

"He said that the big-hitters are going to be looking at me and linked with me but that the main thing is I stay with the club I'm at, the team I support and the team I love, which is Everton. I love Everton and all I think about is playing for Everton."

Barkley has now set his sights on remaining in the England squad and has been given a huge incentive by Roy Hodgson who has suggested he may be in his plans for Brazil if qualification os secured.

"I've set my sights on the World Cup," added Barkley. "It's a goal for me to get myself in the squad for the World Cup. It will be hard but through hard work hopefully I can get on the flight there.

"Roy Hodgson told me to keep working hard and keep doing what I've been doing since the start of the season. If there comes a time that because I am young then I'm on the bench, don't let your head go down.

"He spoke to the gaffer, and he believes in me. He has high hopes for me. He sees me being able to go to Brazil if I keep progressing as I have done since the start of the season."