Chelsea are reportedly refusing to be beaten in the race for Ross Barkley.
According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea have made fresh contact over a deal to sign Everton playmaker Ross Barkley during the upcoming January transfer window.
The Blues lost 1-0 at West Ham United on Saturday afternoon, and given that they now lie 14 points behind league leaders Manchester City, Antonio Conte may want January additions.
Bringing in English players may be a priority for Chelsea, and reports suggest that the Blues are returning with a new January move for Everton ace Barkley.
The Daily Mail report that Chelsea have made contact over a new bid for Barkley next month, in the hope of finally luring him to Stamford Bridge having seen him surprisingly snub a summer move.
It’s claimed that Chelsea ‘will not concede defeat’ in their pursuit of Barkley, and are laying the groundwork for him to make a move to West London next month.
However, Barkley snubbed Chelsea in August as he preferred a move to Tottenham instead, and Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino is understood to still be keen despite kiboshing a summer move due to Barkley’s hamstring injury.
Barkley, 23, is out of contract at the end of the season, having so far refused to pen a new deal with Everton, and whilst he could walk away for nothing at the end of the season, he may well be sold in January.
Having been out injured for the entire season so far, Chelsea and Spurs may not be too willing to splash huge cash on Barkley, but they appear set for another battle over the midfielder’s signature in January.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
