Premier League champions Chelsea are hoping to beat Tottenham Hotspur to the signing of Everton midfielder of Nigerian parentage Ross Barkley, according to reports.

The Sun says Barkley is among the three players on the wishlist of Chelsea before the close of the transfer window, the others being Leicester City's Danny Drinkwater and Arsenal winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Chelsea are planning to hold talks with Everton after Sunday's Premier League meeting between the two teams at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues are planning to make a 30 million pounds (N14.2 billion) bid for Ross Barkley, £6 million less than the amount Spurs paid for their record signing Davinson Sánchez.

The 23-year-old, who comes off contract with Everton in 2018 was also monitored by Manchester United and Arsenal this summer.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : evertonfc.com