Chelsea To Sign Ross Barkley For £15m

England international, 24-year-old Ross Barkley of Everton, is expected to have a medical with Chelsea on Friday prior to completing a £15m move.

When asked about the deal, Conte told reporters Barkley was a “good prospect” but warned he was recovering from hamstring surgery in August.

“He’s very young and has a lot of space for improvement,” said Conte. “He is very strong, good technique.”

The Chelsea boss added: “He’s a good prospect but at the same time, it will be very important to understand, if the player signs, we must have patience to help him recover.

“Don’t forget he had a bad injury, a surgery and this player has not played for seven months.”

Barkley had hamstring surgery in August, the same month in which he turned down a move to Chelsea on transfer deadline day.

The England international rejected a new deal at Everton and is out of contract at the end of this season, opening the door for a cut-price move.