Ross Barkley backs out of £35m transfer after medical

Chelsea target Ross Barkley has turned down the opportunity to join the Premier League Champions and prefers to ‘reconsider his position’ in the January window.

The Everton star has been linked with the Blues, Arsenal and Spurs on the summer transfer deadline day, and was close to joining Chelsea.

However, the England star has now opted not to join Conte’s side, with Everton’s majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri telling Sky Sports via a telephone conversation that the 23-year-old Everton ace is now considering his options after rejecting a transfer despite undergoing a medical examination at Chelsea’s training ground.

When the Everton Chief was asked about how it unfolded, Moshiri said: “The two clubs (Everton and Chelsea) agreed a (transfer) deal of £35m, I (Moshiri) think personal terms were agreed.

“After [the] medical, we (Everton) heard from Barkley’s agent, that he changed his mind and he wanted to reconsider his position (at Everton)during the January transfer window. That is the latest we have been advised.”

Ross Barkley has refused to pen a deal extension at Goodison Park with just under 12 months left on his current contract but is now ready to remain at Merseyside Park until January.

The Everton Chief confirmed his shock over the move collapsing, adding: “He’s currently injured so I (Moshiri) think yes, technically Ross will be with us (Everton) because he’s (Ross) under contract for another season, so it is a huge surprise, but that is the game of football.”