Chelsea transfer news: Blues ready to hijack Tottenham's Ross Barkley move - report

CHELSEA are expected to make a bid for Everton midfielder Ross Barkley, according to reports.

Ross Barkley scores for Everton against Burnley

Barkley, 23, has been sidelined for three months after tearing his hamstring during training. 

But this has not put Tottenham off as they are prepared to lodge a formal offer of £20million with the possibility of a further £8m in add-ons, report the Telegraph. 

However, it appears Spurs will not get a clear run at Barkley with ready to hijack their move with a bid of their own. 

It is not clear whether they will better Tottenham’s offer for him as Antonio Conte looks to bolster his midfield ranks.

Chelsea are expected to make a bid for Everton midfielder Ross Barkley

But The Telegraph say they could pay him up to £100,00-a-week in wages, which could tempt Barkley into choosing Stamford Bridge over north London. 

wanted £50million for the England international, but were never likely to attract bids of that size with less than 12 months remaining on his current contract. 

The Merseyside club supposedly still hope to get £30m for him, but his latest injury has put them in a difficult negotiating position. 

Both Chelsea and view him as a potential long-term signing who represents excellent value for money in the current market. 

Ross BarkleyGETTY

Chelsea are preparing to make a bid for Everton midfielder Ross Barkley

But Mauricio Pochettino is hoping his record of developing young English talent will put him at an advantage in their bid for Barkley. 

The Spurs boss apparently also believes he can offer him better playing time guarantees.

However, he will have to battle for his place with the likes of Dele Alli, Christian Eriksen and Mousa Dembele all key players in Pochettino’s midfield. 

The report adds any deal Chelsea try to strike for Barkley is not dependent on whether or not they sign Leicester star Danny Drinkwater.

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