Chelsea have overtaken Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United and Arsenal in the race for the signature of Everton midfielder with Nigerian roots Ross Barkley.

The Liverpool Echo says Spurs have long been seen as favourites to sign the 23-year-old but they now face competition from across London in the shape of the Premier League champions.

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte is in the market for midfielders following the sale of Nemanja Matic to Manchester United.

Barkley has emerged as one of the sought-after players in England this summer because he is a homegrown player.

He looked set to join Tottenham Hotspur but he might have had a change of heart as they are unwilling to meet his wage demands.

He has also been linked with a move to Manchester City and West Ham United.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : Twitter.com/RBarkley