The Times have reported that Everton are keen on renewing midfielder Ross Barkley’s contract to effectively end speculation over the player’s future.
The England international has been central to manager Ronald Koeman’s plans since the Dutchmen took over and is likely to continue being a mainstay of the starting line-up should he choose to remain with the Merseyside club.
Barkley’s contract expires at the end of the 2017-18 season and the fact that there has been no extension agreed upon as yet has led to speculation about his future. Both Manchester giants as well as Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea have been reported to be interested in the 23-year-old.
Though Everton stated that they will open talks over a new contract, it appears that Barkley is not in a rush to renew his current deal and does not appear to enjoy the sweetest of relationships with Koeman.
Koeman has been critical of Barkley, especially after he was left out of England’s World Cup qualifier against Slovakia by Sam Allardyce in September.
