Chelsea 'in pole position to sign Everton's Barkley after City back out'

Chelsea are reportedly in pole position to sign Ross Barkley from Everton next summer after Manchester City backed out of the race for the midfielder.

According to The Star, City confirmed their desire to lure Barkley to the Etihad Stadium outfit next year – with the club believed to be prepared to pay £35million for the 20-year-old.

However, after Everton insisted that they would only part with Barkley for nothing less than £50million, City chiefs have decided the transfer would be too much of a risk.

This has left Chelsea as favourites to land the England international next year – especially with The Blues having a good relationship with The Toffees following the transfer of Romelu Lukaku to Roberto Martinez’s side earlier this summer.

Barkley enjoyed an impressive breakthrough campaign with Everton last term, in which the 20-year-old scored seven goals in all competitions.

His form for his club resulted in the midfielder earning a call-up to England in 2013 before the youngster forced his way into Roy Hodgson’s 23-man squad for the World Cup.