A Coventry fan spotted Barkley at Malaga Airport over the weekend and posed for a selfie, during which the player was asked if he was joining the club's training camp and reportedly responded with a wink.
Hours later, Barkley posted an Instagram picture of a gym with a distinctive wooden ceiling that supporters matched to images from Coventry's training facility, leading many to conclude he had been working out alongside Frank Lampard's squad. It has since been confirmed that Barkley was indeed at the same sports facility on Monday, though he was training there with his own personal coach rather than with the Coventry squad.
The sighting comes after months of reported interest from Coventry, who won the Championship title to end a 25-year absence from the Premier League and have been strongly linked with a move for Barkley given his previous relationship with Lampard at Chelsea.
Barkley has another year remaining on his Aston Villa contract and is due to report back for pre-season at Bodymoor Heath next week, but has started just 10 Premier League games since returning to the club in July 2024. He will turn 33 in December.
Coventry's interest in Barkley has been building since May, when reports first emerged that Lampard wanted to reunite with the midfielder as his first signing following promotion. Barkley's wages, thought to be around £50,000 to £60,000 a week, are seen as within reach of a wage structure Coventry owner Doug King has been willing to stretch for the right player, and a free transfer would only add to the appeal.
Barkley proved during a productive spell at Luton Town, which included 32 Premier League appearances following their own promotion, that he still has the quality to contribute at the top level.