Everton punters in the Transfer Tavern are discussing the impressive form of England international Ross Barkley this season.
The attacking midfielder was dropped by manager Ronald Koeman earlier in the campaign but has been in fine form since then, notching up three goals and five assists in his last 17 Premier League outings whilst providing the vital link between the engine room and the attack.
But the 23-year-old’s future at Goodison Park remains a little unclear, with his current contract due to expire at the end of next season. As a home-grown player of enormous potential, it seems inevitable Barkley will attract interest during the summer transfer window unless he signs a new deal.
And Ronald Koeman has now revealed that he held talks with Barkley about his long-term future during a recent training camp in Dubai, whilst suggesting the club are keen to tie their playmaking ace down to fresh terms.
As quoted by The Liverpool Echo, he said; “I spoke to Ross in Dubai about the future and like everybody he likes to win titles and play Champions League football, but he has still one more year contract, and we, at Everton, like to keep the best players and he has shown this season he is improving.
“I spoke to board about his situation, we like to bring and show the confidence that we have in the player to sign a new contract….I don’t have any comments from his side that he likes to move or that will not sign a new contract, he hasn’t mentioned that to me. Of course he knows I want to bring him on, we show that every day.”
Should Barkley stay on at Goodison, Everton fans? Let us know by commenting below!
