Ross Barkley Should Be Part of Everton’s Future, Claims Koeman

Everton manager Ronald Koeman has surprisingly claimed that the club will do everything in order to keep midfielder Ross Barkley at the club.

Only a few months ago, the former Barcelona man was highly critical of the 23-year-old and his attitude. The sea change has been brought about byBarkley’s impressive performances over the last few weeks. Even though the midfielder may have not got much goals in the last 10 games – in fact only one in the 6-3 win over Bournemouth,Barkley has contributed immensely when it comes to assisting other players.

Barkley has provided five assists in the last 10 games, thus making Everton rise up the table. The club are certainly in a situation to take advantage of any slipups by Manchester United. The race for the Europa League spots is likely to be between United, Arsenal, and Everton at this moment in time.Koeman is aware that a number of clubs would be taking notice of the fact thatBarkley has started producing his best.

Not too long ago, the 23-year-old was subjected to transfer interest from the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea. Koeman says that the club would do everything within their power in order to keep the player at Goodison Park.

Barkley has a contract with the club only into the summer of 2018, and his recent form puts him in a powerful position when it comes to negotiating the new deal."We will do everything to keep Ross and (to get him) to sign a new contract. Talks are planned but I don’t think they have started yet.I spoke to Ross about the future and like everybody he likes to win titles and play Champions League football, but he has still one more year contract, and we, at Everton, like to keep the best players and he has shown this season he is improving in different positions for the team,” said Koeman.