Antonio Conte’s failure to speak to Ross Barkley while the midfielder contemplated a move to Chelsea on transfer deadline day last week was the result of direct instructions from the club.

The Times has learnt that Chelsea decided to keep the head coach away from transfer negotiations after his unsuccessful talks with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain the same week, which ended with the Arsenal midfielder opting to join Liverpool.

Chelsea’s tactics backfired however, as Barkley chose to return to Everton to continue his rehabilitation from a hamstring tear and is instead expected to seek a transfer in January. Contrary to reports, the 23-year-old player did not get anywhere near Stamford Bridge or Chelsea’s training ground in Cobham. He is believed to have changed his mind about the