Ross Barkley has confirmed that he will wait until January to assess the options on his future, but he has rebuffed suggestions from Everton’s owner that he decided against a move to Chelsea after his medical.

The 23-year-old England international, whose contract expires next summer, is currently sidelined with a bad hamstring injury which means he may not play again this year.

Despite his injury – which meant his leading suitors Tottenham Hotspur opted not to make a move now – Chelsea decided to meet Everton’s asking price of £35million on deadline day, only for the move to fall through.

Barkley pulled out of the deal and The Toffees major shareholder Farhad Moshiri said the player underwent a medical at Chelsea.

“The two clubs agreed a deal of £35m and personal terms were agreed and after the medical we heard from Ross Barkley’s agent that he had changed his mind. He told us he wanted to reconsider and stay with us for the time being,” Moshiri said.

“It was a big surprise but that is football. It has been a very busy transfer window, we have brought in a lot of players especially in attacking areas. We have a lot of new players and it will take some time to gel. We are very happy with business. These are all Ronald Koeman’s signings.”

Sources close to the player confirmed to us that Barkley was happy to wait until January, and now he has confirmed this via his Twitter account.

Contrary to a number of reports in the press, I did not undertake a medical with any club at any point.

— Ross Barkley (@RBarkley20) September 2, 2017

I simply decided that due to my injury, it would be best to make a decision on my future and assess all my options in January when fully fit

— Ross Barkley (@RBarkley20) September 2, 2017

Come January, Barkley will have six months left on his contract – and Everton will be unable to ask anywhere near the £35million they agreed with Chelsea.

Chelsea are expected to return, but Tottenham remain favourites to land him.

Bookmakers make it likely that Barkley will be leaving in January, with PaddyPower rating him 5/6.

We expect that Barkley WILL want to return to London in January – but north rather than west.

PaddyPower spokesman Lee Price told TheGamblignTimes.com. “We are odds on that he leaves Everton in the winter window, with Tottenham his expected destination.”

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