Conte: Barkley 'a good prospect for Chelsea'

Antonio Conte spoke out about Chelsea's expected £15-million signing of Ross Barkley in Friday's press conference, hinting that the Everton man's move to Stamford Bridge is imminent.

Related - Report: Chelsea on verge of signing Everton's Barkley after making new bid

"We are talking about an English player and young player - he is a good prospect for Chelsea," Conte told BBC Sport. "(It's a) good opportunity for the club to buy this player. For sure he's a good prospect for Chelsea. For news, the club will inform you."

Conte affirmed recruitment "is not my job" at Chelsea, according to Phil Kirkbride of the Liverpool Echo, but indicated Barkley's reduced price offered value for money. He also noted some of the qualities the Scouse midfielder will bring to the English capital.

"He's very young. I think he has a lot of space for improvement. Room for improvement. He's strong physically and had good technique," Conte continued, before alluding to Barkley's long-term hamstring issues.

"It's important to understand about when he can recover from his injury. This player has not played for seven months. If this player signs for the club we must have patience and help him recover quickly."

Barkley was the subject of strong interest from Chelsea in the summer, but the 24-year-old rejected a deadline-day switch to the Blues. Now BBC Sport's Phil McNulty understands Barkley will undergo a medical on Friday, with a cut-price £15-million deal being struck soon after. The bustling performer would've been available for nothing in the summer when his Everton contract expires.