Celtic great Frank McAvennie reckons any Ross Barkley and Aaron Ramsey comparisons are unfounded and has urged the Hoops to “get him on board”.

The Chelsea midfielder is facing a big call over his future as the English Premier League giants attempt to offload the 28-year-old.

Reports have been circulating over a potential move, with several English outlets claiming Barkley is on Ange Postecoglou’s transfer radar. West Ham, Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Everton have also been credited with an interest.

Former Arsenal midfielder Ramsey moved on loan to Rangers from Juventus in the second half of last season and failed to make much of an impact, notably missing the decisive penalty in the Light Blues' Europa League final loss to Eintracht Frankfurt.

But centenary great McAvennie reckons any comparisons between the two are unfounded - and urged the Scottish champions to go all out for the Chelsea outcast. 

“I think big clubs like Celtic need big players and Ross Barkley is a big player," he told Football Insider. “He’s a quality player and I think it would be great for Celtic, great for Scottish football, if a player like that comes up.

"It’s not like Aaron Ramsey, who came from Juventus and was injured a lot... Barkley is fit.

“I think he enjoys his football. I’m a great believer, if you’re not getting a game, then you’ve got to go and play football.

"Why wouldn’t he come to Celtic? They’re in the Champions League, they’ve started magnificently in the league. It would be great to get him on board.

“I think he can play anywhere. He’s an attacking midfielder but he can sit as well.

"I think that’s what we need at the moment. There will come a time when we have to defend and that’s when we’re going to need somebody with experience, to sit in there. Any good player coming to Celtic would improve the team.”