Everton midfielder of Nigerian descent Ross Barkley has cleared the air regarding his failed move to Premier League champions Chelsea just before the close of the summer transfer window.

Chelsea had agreed a £35 million fee with Everton for Barkley, only for the England star to pull the plug on the deal.

In explaining why he did so, Barkley posted on Twitter on Saturday afternoon : ''Contrary to a number of reports in the press, I did not undertake a medical with any club at any point.''

He added : ''I simply decided that due to my injury, it would be best to make a decision on my future and assess all my options in January when fully fit''.

The 23-year-old Barkley comes off contract with Everton in June 2018, and can start talking to interested clubs in the next four months.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : Twitter.com/RBarkley20