Everton manager Ronald Koeman has set a deadline for Ross Barkley to sign a new contract with the club or be sold in the summer.
The 23-year-old England international’s current deal runs out at the end of next season and Everton have offered him a new deal, which the player is yet to sign despite the club’s repeated requests.
Koeman has made it clear that the midfielder will be sold if he doesn’t agree to sign a new deal and the Dutchman has given him until the end of the Premier League campaign to make up his mind.
The Everton boss stressed that he doesn’t want uncertainty over any of his players’ futures going into the summer and only wants to work with people who are committed towards the club.
Asked about the situation involving Barkley, the Everton manager said in a press conference: "It is still one week [until the end of season) – [still] time for him to decide. Before next weekend we need an answer
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"Either he accepts the contract or we sell.
“Too many times and you begin to have doubts.
"I like to work with players who want to stay.”
Arsenal are reported to be closely following developments on Merseyside and could jump in if Barkley eventually declines the contract offer from Everton.
