Could sacking Ronald Koeman deny Tottenham the midfielder and keep Ross Barkley at Everton?
Ross Barkley has made it pretty clear to Everton he does not intend on sticking around, rejecting a contract offer earlier this year.
Only injury prevented him from moving on, and concern over whether Chelsea were the right club for him.
They might only have one option, and it is a drastic one, but one which has become a distinct possibility in recent weeks: Sack Ronald Koeman.
Barkley has struggled for consistency under Koeman, and the Dutchman has publicly criticised him on more than one occasion.
It is perhaps understandable then that Barkley feels he has no way back at Everton.
A new coach could change that, and make the Englishman feel welcome again.
Barkley may have increased competition for his position after Everton’s transfer activity in the summer, but none of his ‘replacements’ are yet to look better than he can.
Everton sit in a lowly 16th position, with pressure increasing on Koeman.
They are unlikely to fire him simply to keep Barkley, but if they do, potentially keeping him around could have a welcome consequence – and be bad news for Tottenham’s chances.
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