Ross Barkley is set for a cut-price move to Tottenham in January.
The Everton midfielder was expected to leave Goodison in the transfer window, but will now move at the start of 2018.
Barkley, out of contract next summer, was believed to have been lined up for a £35million move to Chelsea on deadline day only to change his mind midway through the medical.
Bu the player yesterday denied a medical ever took place and said he chose not to move due to an ongoing hamstring problem.
He said: “Contrary to a number of reports, I did not undertake a medical with any club at any point.
“I simply decided that due to my injury, it would be best to make a decision on my future and assess all my options in January when fully fit.”
Sunday Mirror Sport understands that the player has now got his heart set on joining up with Mauricio Pochettino.
If Everton dig their heals in then Tottenham will wait until the summer when Barkley would be free to move with the fee being decided by a tribunal.
In the meantime Barkley faces a lonely battle to overcome a seriously damaged hamstring which could take up to three months to heal.
Having turned down a new Everton contract worth £100,000 a week, the midfielder is likely to undergo his rehabilitation well away from the first team.
