Trio of Premier League clubs close in on forgotten Chelsea star

Chelsea have started the new season in the same rich run of form that took them to Champions League glory at the end of last term, and currently sit top of the Premier League table. 

Thomas Tuchel’s side have negotiated a tricky opening two months, having played Arsenal, Tottenham, Manchester City and Liverpool, but have only lost once and sit a point clear of the reds at the summit after eight matches.

Ben Chilwell’s second goal in successive games was enough to give the Blues victory in their last outing, as Tuchel’s side survived a relentless onslaught from Brentford to secure a vital three points.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek continued his impressive return to form in recent weeks, and now looks to have given his boss a headache when choosing his midfield.

Despite Loftus-Cheek’s impressive run of form, it seems that one of his fellow midfielders could be on his way out of the club in January.

According to 90min, Ross Barkley is a target for Newcastle United, Leeds United and Burnley, and will be allowed to leave as early as the new year.

The ex-England international has struggled for form and game time in recent seasons, and has played just seven minutes of Premier League football so far this season.

He did, however, make an impact during his solitary league appearance, as it was his superb cross-field pass to Cesar Azpilicueta that started the move that Timo Werner converted against Southampton.

Newly-purchased Newcastle have been linked with a number of players in the days since their £300 million takeover, and Barkley may be one of the more realistic names touted.

It is believed that the Magpies have a shortlist of attainable signings that could be signed in January to ensure top flight survival, before further spending next summer.

Barkley has had to settle for a place on the bench for much of this season

Burnley, meanwhile, were linked with the 27-year-old over the summer but a move never materialised.

However, it is reported that Sean Dyche is still keen on the player and could make a move in January.

Since arriving from Everton for a fee of around £15 million in January 2018, Barkley has struggled to keep hold of a first team place, and has played just 89 times since.

Once one of the most promising young talents in English football, it appears that Barkley’s time in West London is coming to an end.

Leeds are also believed to be interested, as Marcelo Bielsa looks to bolster his midfield options in January after a poor start to the new campaign.