Chelsea are ready to rival Tottenham for wantaway Everton midfielder Ross Barkley.

Spurs are regarded as favourites to land the England international.

However, The Sun says Chelsea boss Antonio Conte wants to beef up the number of “home-grown" players as teams can have only 17 foreigners in their 25-man squad.

Chelsea are long-term admirers of Everton contract rebel Barkley.

The Three Lions midfielder has one year left on his deal and refuses to sign a new one.

Toffees boss Ronald Koeman has told him his Goodison career is over and wants £25m for him.

Barkley, 23, is curently sidelined following surgery on a groin problem.