Ross Barkley signs for Chelsea in £15m deal on five-and-a-half-year contract to end 13-year spell at Everton

ROSS BARKLEY has completed a £15million move from Everton to Chelsea.

The Premier League champions missed out on the Everton midfielder on transfer deadline day last August despite agreeing a £35m fee.

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But they have now landed their man after negotiating a lower fee because Barkley's contract expired in the summer - when he could have left for free.

He has signed a five-and-a-half-year deal and will wear the No8 jersey - worn by the likes of Frank Lampard.

Speaking of his move, the England midfielder said: "I'm overwhelmed, I'm looking forward to it and I'm really excited to get started.

"To be given a fresh start at a new club like Chelsea, it's unbelievable for me. I'm looking forward to continuing where I left off at the end of last season and hoping to improve and add more goals to my game."

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Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has tracked Barkley for some time and said: "He has good prospects for Chelsea.

"I think the club decided for this investment, also for his contract. We are talking about an English player, a young player

"I think this is a good opportunity for the club to buy this player. For sure he is a good prospect for Chelsea."

Barkley was out of contract at Goodison Park at the end of this season, after rejecting a new deal with the Toffees.

He made 150 Premier League appearances for Everton, scoring 21 goals.