Manchester City and Chelsea are set to face up next summer for the signature of Everton starlet Ross Barkley, as reported by the Daily Express.
With Yaya Toure faltering in recent weeks, City are said to view the England international midfielder as the ideal replacement for the Ivorian powerhouse.
They will, however, face competition from the west London club for his transfer.
They were also hit by the news that the Merseyside club want a huge £50 million for the player, which is £20 million more than they expected to pay.
City are also desperate to sign Joe Hart and James Milner to new long term deals, with the players able to form part of their home grown quota.
A problem with their current squad is that they have too many overseas players.
This is why Barkley would be a perfect midfielder to sign, both home grown and talented enough to fit into their squad.
