Chelsea ordered Antonio Conte to keep out of the club’s negotiations with Ross Barkley, according to reports.
The Everton midfielder wanted to speak with the Chelsea manager to clarify what his role would be at Stamford Bridge ahead of a potential £35 million move on deadline day.
Barkley ended up turning down the chance to join the Premier League champions, partly due to his inability to have a conversation with the Chelsea manager.
And The Times claims that it was Chelsea’s hiearchy who told Conte not to get in touch with the 23-year-old after the Italian failed to convince Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to reject Liverpool earlier that week.
The report claims that Conte informed the former Arsenal player that he would be mainly considered as an option on Chelsea’s right flank, whereas Jurgen Klopp promised the 24-year-old playing time in central midfield.
Conte also didn’t speak with Danny Drinkwater prior to his £35m arrival from Leicester City on deadline day.
Chelsea are planning a fresh move for Barkley in the January transfer window but they are likely to face competition from Tottenham, who opted not to submit a bid in the summer.
Barkley has less than a year remaining on his current contract with Everton and will subsequently be available on a free transfer at the end of the season.
The midfielder is yet to make an appearance this season as he continues to recover from a hamstring tear.
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