Everton have rejected a £25 million bid for Ross Barkley from Chelsea, according to multiple reports.
Tottenham have been linked with a move for Barkley all summer, and have apparently been waiting until late in the window so that they can sign him for less than Everton’s original £50m valuation.
But following Barkley’s hamstring injury that could see him sidelined for three months, reports claim Spurs are considering delaying a move for the midfielder.
As a result, Chelsea could take advantage of Tottenham’s hesitance. Reports last night (Tuesday) claimed the Blues had made an offer of £25m.
Now, the BBC and others are reporting Everton have rejected that offer.
Last month, Ronald Koeman claimed Barkley is almost certain to leave Goodison Park by the close of the summer transfer window. The 23-year-old has just 11 months left on his Everton contract.
Not long after those claims, Koeman backtracked a little, suggesting the midfielder could still play a part for the Toffees this season.
The good news for Spurs is that Barkley is no closer to joining Chelsea. The bad news: it looks like Tottenham will have to pay more than they expected Everton would accept.
Barkley has been linked to Tottenham throughout the summer, but it looks like they have been holding off until the end of the transfer window.