Andre Villas-Boas has played down reports Chelsea are interested in Everton teenager Ross Barkley.

Everton teenager reported to be attracting attention of big guns

Andre Villas-Boas has played down reports Chelsea are interested in Everton teenager Ross Barkley. Reports in Wednesday's papers suggested the former Premier League champions will make a £20million move for the midfielder in the January transfer window. Barkley is the latest talent to step off the conveyor belt at Everton's famed School of Science, but David Moyes would be extremely reluctant to let their Academy graduate go. He has represented England at every level from Under-16 up to Under-21, and has sizzled on his appearances for the Toffees this term . Villas-Boas admitted he had been made aware Barkley was one of the rising stars of English football, but stated he was unaware of the full extent of his talent. "People have told me he's a good young, British talent," said Villas-Boas. "I really don't know the player."