Premier League champions Chelsea have joined Tottenham Hotspur in the race to sign wantaway Everton star Ross Barkley.
The England attacking midfielder is set to part ways with Everton this summer after turning down a new deal.
And Everton have set an asking price of £50m for Barkley as they want to make profit on their academy product – amid huge interest from Tottenham and Chelsea.
Spurs are in pole position to rope in Barkley this summer if he does leave – as Mauricio Pochettino believes that he could be a perfect long-term replacement of injury-prone Mousa Dembele.
However, FootTheBall sources have claimed that Spurs would face stiff competition from cross-city rivals Chelsea with Antonio Conte eyeing to land the Everton contract rebel in bid to bolster his squad.
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has been guaranteed by the club’s board that he will have at least two more new players before the summer transfer window closes.
FootTheBall sources claim that Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is plotting a swoop for English star Barkley.
Conte wants to add more strength to his squad and is eyeing to sign a new wing-back, an attacker and a midfielder.
Premier League champions Chelsea have also launched a £25million bid to sign Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, according to reports. The Blues bosses have also held talks with Leicester over the availability of Danny Drinkwater.
According to The Telegraph, Spurs chief Daniel Levy have rated Barkley at £25m only because of his current contract situation at Everton – as Ronald Koeman had revealed that the player is no more wanted at Goodison Park and also due to injury concerns.
This have put Chelsea in the driving seat as they are ready to splash more cash for landing Barkley at Stamford Bridge.
But Spurs have an advantage with Mauricio Pochettino ready to offer him a crucial role in the firs-team that Conte might find difficult to provide.