With just over 24 hours left of the current transfer period, clubs have begun upping their pursuits of key targets, with Chelsea no different as they look to strengthen their options after a stuttering start to the Premier League campaign.
And while the Blues saw their initial offer for Barkley rejected, with Everton reportedly valuing the playmaker at £50m, the Toffees are expected to bring that number down as Barkley has less than 12 months to run on his current deal at Goodison Park.
However, the fact Barkley is carrying a hamstring injury which could keep him out until December is proving another roadblock, although the 23-year-old’s failure to sign a new contract at Everton highlights his desire to leave.
Chelsea have until midnight on Thursday to push through the deal, with the current transfer window slamming shut at 00h00.