By Phil McNulty | BBC Sport |
Everton have rejected a £25m offer from Chelsea for Ross Barkley, but the England midfielder could still leave the club before Thursday’s deadline.
Chelsea’s offer was below Everton’s original £50m price tag – but it is likely this will be reduced as Barkley has one year left on his contract.
The 23-year-old has turned down a new deal at his boyhood club.
His situation is further complicated by a serious hamstring injury which could keep him out for three months.
The academy graduate has played 150 times for Everton in the Premier League, scoring 21 times since making his debut six years ago.
In July manager Ronald Koeman said the club “100%” expected Barkley to leave Goodison Park.