Spurs ready to fight Chelsea for Ross Barkley

Spurs reportedly have their sights set on beating Chelsea for Everton midfielder Ross Barkley, when the transfer window reopens on Monday.

With Jan 1 upon us, one of the main questions facing Everton fans is what will happen to Ross Barkley? Is he finally going to leave, or will he stick around until the end of the season, before leaving for free.

From a business perspective, the Blues would do well to get something — anything — for Barkley. However, even this could be problematic, with him already turning down a move to Chelsea once, in order to concentrate on getting fit.

Now though, with the 24-year-old back in training with the first team, this is no longer an issue. So we come back to the question of what will happen to him, especially if he still harbours realistic ambitions of playing in this summer’s World Cup.

One theory doing the rounds was the reason Barkley turned down the move to Chelsea, was because of his preference to join Tottenham Hotspur. If there is any truth to this, the latest speculation makes for intriguing reading.

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According to the Mirror‘s John Richardson, Spurs are out to pip Chelsea in the chase for the Blues’ midfielder. With Sam Allardyce reportedly resigned to losing him, he will be at least hoping the bidding war helps raise the transfer fee.

However, this could theoretically result in more problems for Everton, especially as Chelsea are more likely to splash the cash. If Barkley truly would prefer a move to Spurs, he could again turn down any move to Stamford Bridge and just wait until the Summer.

We’re at the point where you know the Blues would prefer the matter was resolved now, so they can finally put this unsavoury saga behind them. Plus, the money would help them concentrate on pursuing targets of their own, including Sevilla midfielder Steven N’Zonzi.

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What do you think will happen to Barkley between now and the end of January? Will he remain with Everton, join Spurs or Chelsea, or end up somewhere else altogether? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.