Plug pulled on transfer as proven PL star waited for Tottenham deadline day move - Sunday Times

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Published on:

03 Sep 2017, 3:03 pm

By Harry Sykes

Everton midfielder Ross Barkley rejected a last-gasp transfer to Chelsea because he wanted to join Tottenham instead, according to a report.

The Sunday Times claim the England international, 23, pulled out of a move to Stamford Bridge after travelling to central London on deadline day hoping for a move to Spurs.

It is said that Everton did not receive any bid from Tottenham and the clubs declined to enter negotiations.

Barkley had the opportunity to move to Chelsea and Everton majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri has claimed he had begun a medical with the Premier League champions after a £35million fee had been agreed.

The Sunday Times report that the playmaker did not undertake a Chelsea medical as he had second thoughts about a move before that point.

"Barkley preferred Spurs, whose wages are far lower than Chelsea’s but where Mauricio Pochettino has such a record of bringing on young talent," the newspaper stated.

Barkley, whose leg is in a brace as he recovers from hamstring surgery, has returned to Everton, where he has just 10 months remaining on his contract.

The proven Premier League performer is not expected to be fit again until January, which is the next opportunity he will have to seal a move.

In other Tottenham transfer news, a Sky journalist has revealed that a last-gasp Spurs striker switch failed after an agreement had been reached.

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