Chelsea are preparing a bid for Everton midfielder of Nigerian descent Ross Barkley, according to reports.

The Telegraph says the Premier League champions have around 200 million pounds transfer kitty (approximately N91 billion) and are interested in landing Monaco's Tiemoue Bakayoko, Everton duo Barkley and Romelu Lukaku, Juventus' Alex Sandro and Leicester City’s Riyad Mahrez.

The Toffees are willing to cash in on Barkley as talks with the midfielder over a new deal have stalled.

Manager Ronald Koeman has started preparing for life without the England star, with the club completing the £23.6m signing of Ajax captain Davy Klaassen this week.

Ross Barkley, 23, has played nonstop at Everton for the past twelve years.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : evertonfc.com