Ross Barkley relaxes on beach with bikini-clad girlfriend Katherine as he closes in on Aston Villa transfer

ROSS BARKLEY was soaking up the Spanish sunshine alongside his beautiful girlfriend just hours after England’s Euro 2024 opener.

The Three Lions kicked off Euro 2024 with a 1-0 victory over Serbia on Sunday.

Jude Bellingham made history before scoring the only goal to secure the three points.

Meanwhile, 1369 miles away from Gelsenkirchen, the 33-time capped England international Barkley was enjoying his time off in Marbella.

The 30-year-old Luton Town midfielder was going for the pretty in pink look as he showed off his ripped physique in just swimming shorts.

And the gorgeous Katherine Pilkington was right by his side on the public beach as they caught some rays while relaxing on sunbeds.

Accounts executive Katherine, who counts Love Island’s Ellie Brown as one of her best friends, was decked out in a bright orange swim costume.

The couple are making the most of the ex-Everton ace’s time off.

They have already enjoyed one holiday together since the Premier League campaign ended last month.

Just over a fortnight ago the loved-up Barkley was spotted spraying sun cream on Katherine’s back on a Barbados beach.

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While Barkley, whose last cap for England came in 2019, relaxes on the sand, speculation over his future continues to rumble on.

Aston Villa have been in advanced talks to sign him this summer.

Last month we revealed the club has a “strong interest” in signing the midfielder, who has also has Manchester United watching on keenly, for a nominal fee of around £2 million.

Although Barkley could not prevent Luton from dropping back into the Championship, he has excelled since joining them on a free from Ligue 1 side Nice last summer. 

The former Everton and Chelsea star scored five goals and assisted with four more in 32 appearances for Rob Edwards‘ side.

And Barkley has already made it clear that he wants to stay in the top-flight.

While Luton were still battling to avoid the drop, he said last month: “I want to play in the Premier League. I want to play in Europe again but I’m not really focused on that now.

“I want to help the club stay in the league. I love the club. It’s helped me so much and I owe them a lot.

“So I’m focused on that and thinking about nothing other than helping them do that.

“I feel like for the next three years maybe I’ll still be in my prime years.”