The champions agreed a £35m fee for the England midfielder on a busy deadline day for Antonio Conte.

However, Barkley snubbed the Blues because he was uncomfortable at the idea that Everton were dictating where he his future lied.

Chelsea will try again in January when Barkley will have just six months left on his contract.

The Everton academy product is unlikely to feature for Ronald Foeman’s side before January after undergoing surgery on a hamstring complaint.

And The Telegraph say he wants to be the master of his own destiny.

Chelsea did manage to snare Danny Drinkwater from Leicester for £35m in a dramatic late swoop.

But Conte hasn’t got all the players he wanted despite also bringing in Davide Zappacosta from Torino for £23m yesterday.

Everton owner Farhad Moshiri gave his version of events to Sky Sports last night.

He explained: "Well the two clubs agreed a deal of £35m.

"Personal terms were agreed, but after the medical we heard from Paul Martin, Ross Barkley’s agent, that he changed his mind.

"And he wanted to reconsider his position during the January window.

"That is the latest we have been advised.

"He is currently injured so technically he will be with us because he is under contract for another year.

"It is a big surprise but that is football."