Allardyce: I cannot stop Barkley exit next month

Everton manager Sam Allardyce admits he will be powerless to stop Ross Barkley leaving in January if the midfielder is determined to quit Goodison Park.

Barkley has yet to feature this season because of a ruptured hamstring but is edging closer to fitness.

Allardyce is planning a one-onone meeting with the 24-year-old to

establish what the player wants from the next stage of his career.

Barkley almost joined Chelsea last September only for a late change of heart to keep him on Merseyside. But there has been no indication a contract impasse will be resolved, and Everton will need to cash in rather than risk losing financially when the player’s deal expires at the end of the season.

“It’s a difficult one,” said Allardyce. “I think when Ross is on his way back I can find out the truth, or the whole, scenario and say, ‘Where does it lie?’ and then make a decision one way or the other. I haven’t had the opportunity yet.

“I’m not in control of that in too many ways. If someone comes in during January and says, ‘Here you go’ and the club says, ‘Look, if he’s not going to sign for us, this has to be the case’ then I accept that.”

Allardyce said he would select Barkley if he believed he was fully committed to the side.

“If Ross stays and stays until the end of the season and I feel he is giving 100 per cent to the team, like he has done since he was a kid, then he is an available asset until he leaves on a free transfer. I would hate that to happen, but it might do,” he said.

In the meantime, Allardyce hopes Barkley will soon be available for selection after his injury