Former Everton defender Michael Ball doesn't believe they should try to re-sign Ross Barkley.

The midfielder has been outstanding for Luton Town this season and been linked with a return to Goodison Park.

Ball told the Liverpool Echo: "A lot of our fans remain unhappy with his initial departure because he is the type of player we need. He is someone who runs with the ball and can score. Unfortunately for Ross, he has not been consistent enough over the last 10 years. He is doing well at Luton right now, but he didn't really succeed abroad and it didn't work out at Chelsea.

"Barkley is a magic player and likes to play the attacking role, but it was his defensive play that so often let him down at Everton. That may be the reason no other club than Luton were prepared to take a chance on him. He has never been able to improve on that side of his game, Ross was all about 'give me the ball and I'll do something.'

"I don't think Barkley will be the answer for Everton in January, but he is the sort of profile we should be looking at."