Chelsea have emerged as the latest contenders in the battle to sign Ross Barkley.
Both Manchester United and Tottenham were previously running head-to-head for the want-away Everton midfielder with the latter ranked as firm favourites.
But the reigning Premier League champions are now in the hunt for Barkley, who informed Ronald Koeman of his wish to pursue a ‘new challenge’ this summer.
The Blues are holding out for a £50 million asking price for the England international, who has under a year left on his current deal at Goodison Park.
Antonio Conte has identified Barkley as a potential incoming with Chelsea seeking midfield cover following Nemanja Matic’s £40m move to United.
Spurs had hoped to land the 23-year-old but reportedly encountered obstacles with Everton’s valuation as well as the player’s own wage demands.
Koeman revealed last week that Barkley’s forecast departure was well-known to him at the end of last season after he had rejected a new long-term contract.
The Everton manager previously warned that the Wavetree-born player, a graduate of the club’s academy, risked being sold without a firm commitment.
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