Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea are reportedly both still interested in signing Ross Barkley from Everton when the transfer window reopens for business.
The Toffees were keen to cash in on the England international during the summer after he refused to commit to the club by putting pen to paper on a new deal.
Barkley, who is due to be out of contract next summer, was close to joining Chelsea on deadline day when arriving at the Blues' training ground to undergo a medical.
A move broke down at the last minute, however, leading to suggestions that the 23-year-old instead preferred a switch to North London following plenty of interest from Tottenham.
According to The Mirror, a transfer tug-of-war can now be expected in January as the Premier League rivals are looking for midfield reinforcements for the second half of the campaign.
Barkley, who has yet to feature this season due to a foot injury, was valued at £35m in August with a year to run on his existing deal.
