Manchester City step up pursuit of €50.75m Barkley

The Premier League champions are confident of beating Chelsea to the midfielder's signature and believe a substantial bid could force Everton's hand

Manchester City are confident of beating Chelsea to the signing of Everton star Ross Barkley and believe that a bid of €50.75 million could seal the deal.

Jose Mourinho's side are ready to rival the Premier League champions for the England international and will go toe-to-toe with City in a bid to secure one of Europe's top emerging talents.

Manuel Pellegrini had Barkley scouted on his return to the Toffees' first team during the recent 3-0 win over Aston Villa, in which he received a standing ovation by the club's fans when he was eventually substituted.

Chelsea too have been keenly monitoring the 20-year-old's situation, with both clubs having previously been rebuffed after making summer enquiries over the midfielder's availability.

When asked whether the two Premier League title contenders had returned to the table with offers, Martinez said last month that there had been no bids for the player and that Everton would take the interest as "a compliment".

But that will not deter City or Chelsea, who, for their part, hope that senior international scout Mick Doherty, who spent seven years at Everton and grew a good relationship with the player, will recommend Barkley moves to Stamford Bridge.

Despite Everton's determination to keep their star man, City are growing confident that a bid of €50.75m will force the club into selling one of their assets, who only penned a new four-year contract in July.

The midfielder enjoyed a breakthrough season last term, earning England recognition, and his signing would see City boost their 'homegrown' quota after the likes of Joleon Lescott and Jack Rodwell left last summer.