Everton manager Sam Allardyce still expects Ross Barkley to leave the club during the January transfer window.

The 24-year-old midfielder was a transfer target for both Chelsea and Tottenham last season, with the two London signs maintaining interest in the player.

Chelsea went closest to signing the player, only for their £35million move to break down at the final stages on transfer deadline day, with Barkley reportedly opting against the move.

Barkley has not played for the Toffees since May last year, having been sidelined with a hamstring injury.

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Barkley has since returned to training, but Allardyce does not expect him to be at the club for long.

"I think the club was resigned before I got here that they were going to lose Ross so I can't see that changing," Allardyce told reporters.

"I would expect there would be (contact) some time in this window if there is going to be any interest from any of the big boys."

