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Everton midfielder Ross Barkley came close to joining Chelsea last summer but an injury saw the midfielder opt to remain at Goodison Park.

Chelsea are reportedly preparing a January bid for Barkley and Everton manager Sam Allardyce admits he can’t stop Barkley from leaving Everton in January.

“It’s a difficult one. I think when Ross is on his way back I can find out the truth, or the whole, scenario and say, ‘Where does it lie?’ and then make a decision one way or the other. I haven’t had the opportunity yet,” Allardyce said.

“I’m not in control of that in too many ways. If someone comes in during January and says, ‘Here you go’ and the club says, ‘Look, if he’s not going to sign for us, this has to be the case’ then I accept that.”