Chelsea plan to trump Spurs to Everton midfielder

Premier League holders Chelsea are reportedly looking to beat London rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the pursuit of Everton midfielder Ross Barkley.

The England international is currently in a contract standoff with the Merseyside outfit, and it is highly likely that he will be sold with his contract due to expire in 12 months' time.

Tottenham Hotspur have been touted as a potential destination for Barkley for a while, but according to The Express, they could face potential competition from the English champions.

World Cup winner Cesc Fabregas has often been frustrated with a substitute role at Stamford Bridge, and the Blues are looking into a potential replacement for the Spaniard, should he join one of AC Milan or Inter Milan in the summer.

Barkley has provided five goals and eight goals during the ongoing campaign, and he will hoping to better his tally with a bigger club next season.

In spite of his good form, the 23-year-old has struggled to earn gametime with the Three Lions after having settled for a bench role in the past seven outings.