Former England footballer Dean Ashton believes that Ross Barkley will eventually end up joining Chelsea.
The 23-year-old Barkley was reportedly on the verge of joining Antonio Conte’s charges on deadline day after a £35 million bid was accepted by the Toffees; however he pulled out of a potential move at the last minute.
Barkley will now have to remain with the Toffees at least until January. Considering that he rejected the chance to sign a contract extension at Goodison Park and has just one year left on his current contract, Ronald Koeman will be looking to sell him.
It will now be interesting to see what role Barkley will play for the Merseyside club between now and January and how the fans will react to him.
Ashton has recently stated his belief that the injury which Barkley is carrying played a factor in his move to the Blues breaking down. He said, “I think the medical probably was going ahead. They’ve looked at the injury he’s got and they’ve said it’s probably going to be late November until he’s fit.
“It could be as simple as saying ‘let’s leave it for now – if we can buy you for less in January, that gives you more wages’. I’d be happy with that if I was Ross. You know you’re not going to play until Christmas properly. It makes no difference really.”
