Barkley ‘is not in Everton’s future’

last season. We made a really good offer to him to sign a new contract, he declined that contract and told me he was looking for a new challenge. “OK, he is not in Everton’s future any more. It is his decision. I need MOVING ON: Manager Koeman to respect that and see what happens.

“What I hear from the board at the moment is that there is no offer on the table for Ross.”

Barkley has been heavily linked with Tottenham but amid claims he has asked for £150,000-a-week wages, which has scared off the London club.

Manchester United and Chelsea have also been linked with a player who could leave Goodison for free when his contract expires next summer.

To complicate matters, Barkley underwent surgery for a minor groin injury last week, opening up the prospect of the midfielder having to regain his fitness with the Everton squad.

Koeman said: “It will take three or four weeks for him to come back after that. His personal situation is not so difficult.

“It is really clear. I am looking to other players, that is my priority and not Ross, with all respect because it is his decision.

“Everybody knows what the situation is. That is enough. I don’t talk anymore about this situation, we will see what happens.

“He told me at the end of last season that he wants to leave.

“He has one more year on his contract and we work with respectful people.

“And after his surgery, if he is back for training, he will be part of the first-team sessions here.”