Conte denies snubbing Barkley

Antonio Conte has hit out at “ridiculous” reports he turned off his phone when Ross Barkley wanted to speak to him over a possible transfer to Chelsea.

Everton midfielder Barkley’s move to Stamford Bridge broke down on transfer deadline day, with conflicting information emerging over the reasons.

Barkley was reported to have changed his mind on the €40m Chelsea switch, but Conte rubbished claims that a lack of personal contact played any part in the England player’s U-turn.