Blues lead the way for the signing of Ross Barkley.
Chelsea are leading the chase for £50 million rated wonderkid Ross Barkley from Premier League rivals Everton, report the Express, with Manchester City also interested in the impressive attacking midfielder.
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Barkley is currently out injured and may not return to action for the Toffees until the new year, but his performances for Everton were so impressive as they challenged for Champions League football under Roberto Martinez that clubs are still sniffing around Barkley even as he finds himself sidelined.
Manchester City had been believed to be lining up an offer for Barkley, with manager Manuel Pellegrini known to be a huge fan of Barkley, but have cooled their advances after being quoted a huge price of £50m for the player, with City believed to value him at a slightly more modest £35m.
Chelsea, however, could well be more willing to meet Everton’s asking price, with Barkley not only set to offer a long-term option in attacking midfield for the Blues but also filling a crucial homegrown spot for Champions League football – whilst it would also show some commitment from the club to signing young English talent, a front on which Chelsea have previously been criticised.
Whether they are willing to match Everton’s asking price for the player remains to be seen, however, at least until he is able to return to action and prove his fitness.