Chelsea are close to a £15 million ($20.3 million) transfer deal with Everton for Ross Barkley who is out of contract at the end of the season.

The two clubs agreed upon a £35 million deal last summer but Barkley requested more time to consider the deal. The delay will cost Everton £20 million in transfer revenue.

Barkley has been with Everton since he was 11 years old.

Conte explained on Friday why he wants to bring Barkley to Chelsea. “We are talking about an English player, a young player,” the manager said. “He has good prospects for Chelsea. I think the club decided for this investment also for his contract.

“I think this is a good opportunity for the club to buy this player. For sure he is a good prospect for Chelsea. But I repeat: for news, the club will inform you.”

Conte cautioned against expecting Barkley to make an immediate impact. “Don’t forget he had a bad injury, he had surgery,” he said. “This player has not played in seven months. In case this player signs for the club, we must have great patience. We have to hope to recover him very quickly, to try to help us for the rest of the season.”