Tottenham are keen to seal Ross Barkley’s Everton exit before the end of next week.
Barkley’s future at Goodison Park remains increasingly bleak after refusing to sign a new long-term contract beyond the final 12 months of his existing deal.
The midfielder faces a challenge to claim a starring role with this summer’s arrival of Davy Klaassen from Ajax and Gylfi Sigurdsson’s likely capture.
A move to White Hart Lane appears Barkley’s most viable destination, with Mauricio Pochettino eager to tie up a deal before his side fly out for their US tour.
But the Londoners’ offer for the England international is unlikely to find favour, with the Sunday Mirror claiming they will not meet the Blues’ own valuation.
Everton are still holding out for a deal in the region of £50 million, a figure vindicated by Spurs selling Kyle Walker to Manchester City for £54m this week.
However Tottenham are currently unwilling to sanction a deal beyond £30m for the 23-year-old, who was regularly challenged by Ronald Koeman last season.
Koeman previously warned Barkley that he risked being sold without a solid commitment with less than a year remaining with his boyhood club.
Barkley missed Everton’s pre-season trip to Tanzania due to an apparent groin injury.