Everton manager Sam Allardyce has said that the future of midfielder Ross Barkley is in the player’s own hands.
Barkley’s current contract at Goodison Park is set to expire at the end of the current season and he has yet to sign a new contract which has led to speculation that he will be leaving the club.
The 24-year old was on the verge of joining Chelsea during the summer transfer window but he eventually performed a U-turn and ended up staying put at Goodison Park.
Everton have been without the services of Barkley all season as he suffered a hamstring injury during pre-season but he could be set to return in the new year.
When talking about Barkley’s future, Allardyce said: “I don’t think it’s in our hands at the minute, it’s in Ross’ hands I think.
“He knows the door is open if he wants to talk about staying. It’s never going to be the case where the door is going to be shut, it’s always going to be open.
“Whether he chooses that route or not will determine what happens. Who knows in January?”
