Danny Mills believes that Ross Barkley may reject a move to Leeds United because of his bad experience under Neil Warnock during his first spell at the club.
The 27-year-old has been heavily linked with a return to the Whites after struggling for regular game time at Chelsea, with Newcastle United and Everton also reportedly keen.
He spent last season on loan at Aston Villa, and although he made a strong start, he lost his place in the starting XI, finishing the campaign on the bench.
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However, Barkley has played more under Thomas Tuchel, featuring eight times so far this season and the Blues haven't yet decided whether to let him go in January.
If Barkley decides to join Leeds then it will be his second spell at the club, having played just four times after signing on loan from Everton in 2013.
Ex-England and Leeds defender Mills admitted that his experience at the Whites almost nine years ago may put him off a move back when the transfer window reopens.
"He’s been here before and it didn’t quite work out for him under Neil Warnock," he told Football Insider.
"That may have soured it a little bit.
"The problem that you may have is, Villa with Steven Gerrard and Norwich with potential Frank Lampard will have a strong pull for these types of players.
"That’s what might be difficult, to get a player of that ilk in January."
Barkley's current contract runs out in 2023 but Chelsea's strength in depth in midfield could see him be allowed to leave sooner than that.
With Tuchel deploying 3-4-3 shape, it leaves just two options in that central area, with Jorginho, Mateo Kovacic, Ngolo Kante and Ruben Loftus-Cheek all appearing to be above him in the pecking order.
That's not to count Billy Gilmour and Conor Gallagher, who are both out on loan with Norwich City and Crystal Palace this season.
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