Everton midfielder Ross Barkley rejects move to Chelsea?

Everton midfielder Ross Barkley has reportedly turned down a move to Chelsea.

Ronald Koeman reiterated numerous times in the latter stages of last season, as well as earlier in the summer, that his player would leave Goodison Park.

It is believed that Barkley rejected a new contract at the Merseyside club as he was keen to move on to pastures new, with Tottenham Hotspur initially in the driving seat.

The transfer fee seemed to be an issue, with reports indicating that Spurs valued the midfielder at around £25m, which is half of the £50m that Everton are said to have wanted.

While Spurs were the early favourites to land Barkley's signature, Chelsea later emerged as contenders, and it is believed that the Premier League champions have tried to secure a late deal for the 23-year-old.

However, BBC Sport journalist David Ornstein has told BBC Radio 5 live that the England international has rebuffed an opportunity to move to Stamford Bridge.

Barkley, who has just one year left on his Everton contract, is expected to be on the sidelines until November with a hamstring injury.