Tottenham are the reason Chelsea failed to sign Barkley

 

Ross Barkley pulled out of a deal to join Chelsea because Everton refused to speak with Tottenham, claims The Daily Telegraph.

 

News emerged late on Thursday evening that the England international had sensationally pulled the plug on a move to Stamford Bridge despite the fact Chelsea had already agreed a £30m fee with Everton.

 

The 23-year-old wants more time to decide on his future, although there are conflicting reports whether Barkley was actually in the process of his Chelsea medical when he made the shock decision to return to Goodison Park.

 

Tottenham were heavily linked with a move for Barkley throughout the summer but it emerged that there was an unwillingness to do business with Mauricio Pochettino’s side on Everton’s part and Barkley did not want to be pressured into joining Chelsea.

 

Antonio Conte’s side are still hopeful of securing Barkley’s services in January, while it remains to be seen whether Everton will re-consider their stance with Tottenham.

 

 

It comes as a huge blow for Everton, who will not be able to command the same £30m fee in the New Year when Barkley will only have six months to run on his existing deal.

 

Only Thomas Lemar (87) has made more key passes than Barkley (84) of players aged 23 and under in Europe’s top five leagues since August 2016.