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According to the BBC, injured Everton attacker Ross Barkley has rejected a chance to join Chelsea before the summer transfer window closes later tonight.
"The information I'm receiving is that Ross Barkley has turned down a move to Chelsea" - @bbcsport_david #EFC #CFC #DeadlineDay pic.twitter.com/KApD480IwJ
— BBC 5 live Sport (@5liveSport) August 31, 2017
No reason has been given for Barkley’s supposed rejection of the Stamford Bridge club, but it may be that the Wavertree-born player prefers to join Tottenham Hotspur. However, with Spurs deep into loan discussions for Barcelona’s Andre Gomes, Barkley may yet stay at Everton.
With a short time remaining before the window slams shut, it’s getting harder and harder to envision a world where a top club is willing to take Barkley, given both his injury and the fee that Everton are requesting. Ronald Koeman has repeatedly said that there is room in his side for good players, and despite all the posturing, Ross Barkley can be a good player.
The Diamond could well be sold in January, or he may still move elsewhere. Just don’t be surprised if he joins Yannick Bolasie and Seamus Coleman in returning to Everton’s ranks this winter.