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With Chelsea short in central midfield having sold Nathaniel Chalobah to Watford and Nemanja Matic to Manchester United, Chelsea will go into the transfer market seeking to strengthen the central midfield position and the Blues have been linked with a number of names, one of which is Everton’s Ross Barkley.

The England international is seeking an exit from Everton and has refused to sign a new contract.

For Liverpool legend Steve Nicol, he believes Chelsea will sign Barkley this summer.

“Yes I do (think Chelsea will gamble on Barkley),” he said on ESPN FC.

“I think this is the one that makes more sense to me.

“Ross Barkley at Everton had more than ample opportunity of playing time to show everybody what he’s got. I don’t think he can sustain a full season.

“Chelsea are trying to fill out their squad with quality, the guy has got ability.

“Maybe we will see it more if he plays with so-called better players at Chelsea.

“I think this makes sense for Barkley, it certainly makes sense for Chelsea. This one’s a hit for me.”