Ross Barkley set for permanent Chelsea exit?

Ross Barkley could be heading for a permanent move away from Chelsea after not being handed a squad number.

The England international spent last season with Aston Villa on loan, but he hardly made an impact amid injuries.

He ended up with just three goals and one assist from 24 appearances. The Midlands outfit have opted against re-signing him.

According to The Mirror, Barkley no longer has a squad number with the Blues with his number 8 shirt handed to Mateo Kovacic.

He is widely expected to leave the club. Newcastle United have recently been credited with an interest in acquiring his services.

The Blues made an excellent deal for Barkley when he was signed for just £15m from Everton, but he has simply failed to impress.

They are unlikely to recoup that sum this summer. The Blues prefer to offload him permanently rather than loan him out again.

Aside from Barkley, the likes of Tiemoue Bakayoko, Danny Drinkwater and Michy Batshuayi are expected to leave on permanent deals.