Huge blow for Antonio Conte as Everton have rejected Chelsea’s £25million bid for Ross Barkley.
The England midfielder have not yet featured in a single game this season for Ronald Koeman’s side due to a hamstring injury and could still leave if a club matches Everton’s asking price.
The 23-year-old had earlier rejected a contract extension at Goodison Park as he is keen to part ways with his boyhood club before the transfer window shuts shop after Thursday’s deadline day.
The Toffees had slapped a £50million price tag on Barkley at the beginning of the transfer window but sources close to the club reveal that Everton have understood that they might have to lower their asking price to pave way for his exit.
Pochettino’s Spurs have shown huge interest in the player but are yet to launch a formal offer.
Reports suggest that Spurs have taken a step back in their pursuit of Barkey because of the player’s wage demands.
According to FootTheBall sources, Barkley wants a wage packet in excess of £150,000-a-week, which would make him the highest paid player at the club.