Everton midfielder Ross Barkley is wanted by two London giants but will not be fit for around three monthsGetty Images - GettyChelsea boss Antonio Conte celebrates beating Tottenham at Wembley – and now might hope to beat them again, in the race to sign Toffees star Ross BarkleyRex Features
Spurs have been long-time frontrunners in the race for the playmaker, who could be out for three months after tearing his hamstring.
Barkley would join a batch of Three Lions at the North Londoners and typify the flair and drive that boss Mauricio Pochettino likes to instil in his sides.
Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy, known for his cautious approach, is thought willing to pay the Toffees an initial £20million, with up to £8m in add-on clauses.
But Chelsea are keen to sign an English influence in midfield, rather than spend big again on a foreign import.
Conte is still mulling over Leicester City’s Danny Drinkwater.
But the 27-year-old, who has three England caps, is seen as a functional option – whereas a revitalised Barkley would be a real bargain.
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Mauricio Pochettino has a strong record for bringing on English talent – which might appeal to Everton midfielder Ross BarkleyEPAEverton star Ross Barkley faces a long fitness fight before deciding on his futureAFP - Getty
First, though, the long-serving Everton star, 23, must shake off his latest injury.
The Toffees’ £50m summer valuation of Barkley has been slowly slipping.
And Barkley’s new injury means they might even have to settle for less than £30m.
He himself might regard Spurs as the safer option, given boss Mauricio Pochettino’s close-knit squad.
But if Conte makes Barkley a priority target then the Blues might have the stronger clout financially.
Playmaker Ross Barkley will hope he can get back to the form and stability that made him one of the top prospects in English footballAFP or licensors
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Tottenham have been joined by Chelsea in monitoring Everton midfielder Ross BarkleyGetty - Contributor
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