Everton manager Ronald Koeman has admitted that Ross Barkley could be sold this summer, with Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham all believed to be keen.
Everton manager Ronald Koeman congratulates Ross Barkley as he walks off to be substituted
Everton manager Ronald Koeman has told The Mirror that Ross Barkley will be sold this summer if he doesn’t sign a new contract.
The Toffees played their part in an entertaining encounter on Sunday afternoon, as they beat Leicester City 4-2 at Goodison Park in a topsy-turvy game.
Romelu Lukaku notched two goals in Everton’s win, and another contract rebel impressed in Ross Barkley, who registered an assist an was a constant menace throughout or Ronald Koeman’s side.
The midfielder has registered four assists and a goal in his last ten appearances for Everton, and is playing some of his best football under Koeman after an up-and-down first half of the season.
However, speculation surrounds Barkley’s future at Goodison Park, as his contract with the club ends next summer – and there doesn’t appear to be any movement on a new deal.
The Mirror reported last month that Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham are all interested in signing Barkley, with Everton seemingly bracing themselves for bids come the end of the season.
Everton’s Ross Barkley celebrates scoring
A product of the Everton youth academy, fans will want to see Barkley stay at Goodison Park for the long term, but manager Koeman has fired another warning to the England midfielder about his future.
Koeman has told The Mirror that unless Barkley signs a new deal then he will simply be sold, leaving the ball in Barkley’s court regarding his future as the summer transfer window draws ever closer.
“We offer Ross a new contract and then two possibilities,” said Koeman. “One he signs the contract, and if he doesn’t sign the contract then we need to sell the player – it’s simple. It’s not so difficult in my opinion,” he added.
Do you think Barkley will sign a new contract?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
