Ronald Koeman has revealed he is not confident Ross Barkley will still be an Everton player next season.
Barkley has been heavily linked with a summer move to Tottenham, while Arsenal are also thought to be interested.
Everton play Arsenal on Sunday, and Koeman had initially expected Barkley’s future to be resolved by now.
With just one year left on his contract at Goodison Park, the Toffees may be forced to sell if the player doesn’t sign a new deal.
“If you offer the player a good contract, it means we want him to stay here,” said Koeman in his pre-Arsenal press conference. “If we don’t want the player to stay longer, we don’t offer him a new contract.”
He was then asked if he is confident Everton will hold on to Barkley. Koeman replied: “No, because it is a long time he has been thinking about his future. I am not worried because I like to work with players who like to stay.”
The Everton boss added: “We will go on and we’re looking for players in that position. If he stays there will be more competition for him next season.”
It sounds like there are major doubts over Barkley’s Everton future. If he is a priority signing, Spurs would be wise to move quickly before others swoop.
