Chelsea eye summer swoop for Ross Barkley

Chelsea are reportedly interested in acquiring the services of Everton midfield sensation Ross Barkley as a replacement for outbound Juan Mata in the summer.

The Daily Star reports that the Blues manager Jose Mourinho is keen on finding a suitable replacement for Spanish international Juan Mata, who is expected to complete his move to Manchester United by today at the earliest, with the clubs having reportedly agreed a £37m for the transfer.

Mourinho is understood to be keen on signing Barkley as he aims to bring in a core of young English stars to the club in the summer, with his current group of stars in Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole and John Terry all on the wrong side of 30's.

Barkley has been one of the bright spots of the Toffees' excellent Premier League campaign this season.