Chelsea are the top dogs at the moment and look good value to win the Premier League title very soon but it seems as though Antonio Conte still feels the need to strengthen his side.
Matt Law from The Telegraph reports that Chelsea are already thinking about incomings in the summer and that they have their eye on Everton's top assets.
Romelu Lukaku, who recently rejected a new contract at Everton, and Ross Barkley are both being closely monitored by Chelsea, who are said to be considering going after the pair when the summer window rolls around.
They have been heavily linked with Barkley since the midfielder broke into Everton first-team and are known admirers of the 23-year old.
Advert
The Blues had Romelu Lukaku in their ranks when they signed him in 2011 from Anderlecht but he was never considered a regular and was subsequently loaned out to both West Brom and Everton.
He then signed for the Toffees in a £28m deal and has rapidly become one of the top strikers in the Premier League. He has scored 20 or more goals in three consecutive seasons and is now Everton's highest ever scorer in the Premier League.
But he has turned down a new contract and has also questioned the club's ambition, which has sparked rumours of a summer exit.
Advert
Everton are believed to have only wanted to include a buyout clause upwards of £90m in any new deal, which Lukaku was not in favour of.
They are said to value the Belgian at more than £65m, while Barkley, who will have a year left on his current deal by the time the season finishes, would likely cost £30m plus.
Everton are known to play hard-ball with their top talents, as was demonstrated by the fee they got for John Stones.
Advert
But Chelsea are prepared to fork out the necessary funds as they feel that the two could make a real difference to a side already firing on all cylinders.
The big benefit of signing Barkley is that he is homegrown and that is an area that Chelsea need to improve on, given that John Terry, Asmir Begovic and Cesc Fabregas, who all qualify for homegrown status, could leave in the summer.
Interest in the two is set to be rife though, with Manchester United most likely to rival Chelsea for the pair. Manchester City and Spurs both have their eye on Barkley.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Chelsea, Ross Barkley, Romelu Lukaku, Everton
