Midfielder Ross Barkley has described his £15m move from Everton to Chelsea on a five-and-a-half-year deal as "unbelievable" and "a fresh start".

The England international Barkley, who leaves Everton after 13 years at Goodison Park, has not played for seven months because of a hamstring injury and had surgery in August.

"He's very young and has a lot of space for improvement," said Chelsea manager Antonio Conte.

"He's a good prospect but at the same time, it will be very important to understand, if the player signs, we must have patience to help him recover."

He will wear the number eight shirt at Chelsea - previously worn by Frank Lampard and Oscar.

"To be given a fresh start at a new club like Chelsea, it's unbelievable for me," said Barkley, who made his Toffees debut in 2011.