Reports: Ross Barkley medical expected at Chelsea

The stories emerged a day after Everton manager Sam Allardyce told reporters the club had accepted they would lose the midfielder during the January transfer window.

The 24-year-old's future has been subject to speculation for some time, particularly since the summer transfer window in which he rejected a deal with Chelsea on deadline day.

However, with Barkley out of contract at the end of the current season, Chelsea could land a bargain and the BBC reports that a fee of £15 million is likely to be paid.

Barkley is said to be close to fitness after an extended injury lay-off which necessitated surgery on his hamstring and has seen him out of action this season.