Tottenham to battle Chelsea for Everton midfielder Ross Barkley’s signature

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly set to battle Chelsea for the signature of England international star Ross Barkley, according to the Mirror.

The Premier League side, who thrashed newly promoted Huddersfield Town 4-0 at the weekend in the English top-flight, have been linked with the Everton midfielder ahead of the forthcoming January transfer window.

The 23-year-old, who has 22 international caps for the Three Lions, has failed to feature for The Toffees so far this season due to a hamstring injury.

Barkley, who came through Everton’s youth ranks, has netted 27 goals in 179 appearances in all competitions overall for the club.

However, his current deal at Goodison Park is set to expire in late-June 2018, alerting Premier League rivals Chelsea and Spurs to his availability.

Chelsea’s Eden Hazard in action with Everton’s Ross Barkley (right) in April 2017.

Both potential suitors were linked with securing a summer deal for the central midfielder, but ultimately a transfer never materialised, though some reports suggests the player underwent a medical at Stamford Bridge on deadline day.

But the report suggests Tottenham will once again go head-to-head with their London rivals during the New Year market in a bid to sign Barkley, who will be determined to impress during the second-half of the 2017-18 season, with England looking set to clinch qualification for next summer’s FIFA World Cup in Russia this week.

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