Ronald Koeman to hold crunch talks regarding Ross Barkley’s Everton future

Everton manager Ronald Koeman says that he will speak to the Toffees hierarchy today about the situation surrounding midfielder Ross Barkley, reports Sky Sports.

The 23-year-old sees his contract at Goodison Park expire at the end of next season and boss Koeman has repeatedly informed the England star that if no extension is agreed this summer, then he will be sold.

And with the season having just come to conclusion, Barkley has still yet to sign a new deal at the club, throwing his future at his boyhood club into serious doubt after a campaign which has seen him perform well one week, and then poorly the next.

And manager Koeman has revealed that discussions will take place today to thrash out Barkley’s future at the club amid reported interest from North London duo Arsenal and Tottenham.

When asked about Barkley’s future, he said: ‘I will speak to the board tomorrow [Monday] and we will make a statement about that.’

And when asked whether the 23-year-old would sign a new deal, he said: ‘I don’t know, I don’t know.’

The Everton boss did not include Barkley in his starting line-up for the 3-1 defeat at Arsenal on the final day, although the England international did come on midway through the first half, but didn’t produce a great display from then on.

And it certainly remains to be seen whether Barkley does indeed extend his stay at Goodison Park, but what seems evident is that things will become clearer following today’s discussions.