According to the Telegraph, now that the Blues have let go of the unfavoured Mata, it has freed up cash and space for the talented Ross Barkley. The 20-year-old will be subject to a bid in the summer as Mourinho favours Barkley over Mata.

The Everton playmaker is currently out with an injured toe and is unlikely to move during this transfer window. Chelsea have taken the short-term option of agreeing to sign former Liverpool target Mohamed Salah from FC Basel and may look to add Inter Milan’s Fredy Guarin, but their major intention is signing Barkley, who will reportedly be available next summer.

If a big money bid comes in, Everton will be tempted to cash in on their prized asset. In recent years, they have had to oversee the sale of key players like Mikel Arteta, Jack Rodwell, Marouane Fellaini, Joleon Lescott and Steven Pienaar to England’s top clubs and Barkley could very well be added to that list.

The England international is expected to be offered a new deal with his existing one running out in 2016. Even if he signs a lucrative deal, Everton may not be able to turn down a big money bid from Chelsea, who have a close relationship with the Toffees after allowing Romelu Lukaku to link up with them on a season-long loan deal.