Chelsea in Ross Barkley bid

Chelsea are reportedly interested in bringing Everton teenager Ross Barkley to the club in the near future.

The Stamford Bridge outfit are happy to spend £20m on the 17-year-old, according to The People, but are ready to go a step further by allowing him remain on Merseyside for up to 18 months if a deal can be reached in January.

Blues boss Andre Villas-Boas is understood to be eager to sign the midfielder before both Manchester clubs come calling, but isn't in need of the young star's services just yet.

Everton manager David Moyes has said that he has no intention of selling Barkley, but expects to face a fight to keep him.