Tottenham Hotspur are preparing a £20million bid for injured Everton midfielder Ross Barkley, but still face competition from Chelsea.

Despite the fact Barkley is set to be out for three months after tearing his hamstring in training, Spurs are readying a formal offer for the 23-year-old.

Talks between Tottenham and Everton are expected to take place this week, with Spurs chairman Daniel Levy prepared to pay £20m up front, with the possibility of a further £8m in add-ons.

But, despite leading the chase for much of the summer, Tottenham and Levy do not have a clear run at Barkley with Chelsea also expected to make a bid of their own.

Chelsea have followed Barkley for many years and view him as a potential long-term signing who represents excellent value for money in the current market.