The Toffees midfielder looked set to make a switch to Stamford Bridge only for things to fall through at the last moment.

Barkley was free to leave Everton with Koeman making him surplus to requirements at Goodison Park.

The Dutchman said: “Of course it was a strange last day of the transfer window.

“But I don't think it was only that for Everton but for most of the Premier League clubs.

“Ross also came to see me last Tuesday and he explained to me why he turned down the chance to go to Chelsea. That is private.

“He was open to making a move to another club and I heard from the board that there was an agreement between Chelsea and Everton.

“But finally the decision was by the player. And that was what happened at that time.”

Chelsea did bring in one midfielder on deadline day as they signed Danny Drinkwater from Leicester.

There were reports on the day that Barkley stopped the proposed move during a medical but he clarified on his Twitter account that the claims were false.

Everton return to action this weekend when they welcome Tottenham to Goodison Park.