Everton midfielder Ross Barkley might have played his last game for the club according to the latest revelation from manager Ronald Koeman.
Currently sidelined to injury, the 23-year-old has often been linked with an exit away from the Goodison Park this summer, and that appears bound to come to pass soon.
Barkley did reject a contract extension worth £100,000 in weekly wages back in May, and he wants a new challenge having spent 12 years at the club.
When inquired if he was preparing for the player’s exit, Koeman replied, “Yes, 100 per cent. I knew this already from the end of last season. We made a really good offer to him to sign a new contract, he declined that contract and told me that he is looking for a new challenge.
“OK, he is not in Everton’s future any more. It is his decision. I need to respect that and see what happens.”
Barkley and Koeman rarely got along last campaign as the Dutch boss continually challenged him to work more on his end game.
Despite his return of 5 goals and 8 assists in 32 EPL starts, the manager was clearly not impressed, and is preparing for life without the midfielder.
Tottenham and Manchester United are said to be interested in the wantaway star, but neither are willing to fork out £50million for his signature as it has been confirmed that there are no tabled offers for him yet.