Everton
midfielder Ross Barkley has astonishingly rejected a £35m move to Chelsea
after changing his mind during his medical, say Sky sources.
With the transfer window drawing to a close on Thursday evening, news
emerged that the Toffees had agreed a fee to sell Barkley to the reigning
Premier League champions.
The 23-year-old and his agent had travelled to London and an agreement was
reached on a move to Stamford Bridge.
Barkley begun his medical, only to have second thoughts, and opted against
the move. He is now expected to return to Everton.
A source close to the player, however, told Sky Sports News on Thursday
evening that Barkley never underwent a medical at Chelsea.
It was an incredible turn of events in the closing stages of Deadline Day
with Sky sources reporting in the afternoon that Tottenham were interested
in making a late bid for the England international.
Barkey has yet to feature this season as he continues his recovery from a
groin injury.
Everton majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri revealed his surprise on Sky
Sports News after the two clubs had agreed a deal for £35m, as well as
personal terms.
"We heard from his agent that he changed his mind and wanted to reconsider
his position during the January transfer window," Moshiri said on SSN.
"Technically he will be with us because he is under contract for another
year. It's a big surprise but that is football."
Barkley is entering the final year of his contract and had told the club he
wanted to leave earlier in the summer for "a new challenge".
Manager Ronald Koeman said at the end of last season that Barkley would be
sold if he did not sign a new deal.
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