Thursday 10 August 2017 15:29, UK
Ross Barkley could stay at Everton with no offers currently on the table, says Ronald Koeman.
Everton manager Koeman had told the 23-year-old midfielder he would be sold this summer if he failed to sign a new contract beyond his current deal at the club, which is due to expire within the next 12 months.
Barkley is a target for Tottenham Hotspur, according to Sky sources, and has been urged to leave Goodison Park in search of Champions League football under Mauricio Pochettino by former Everton player Phil Neville - but Koeman insists the player is going nowhere as things stand.
"There is no offer on the table for Ross - that means he will stay at Everton," Koeman said, when pressed about the future of Barkley at a press conference on Thursday.
"The player has one year [left on his] contract and there is no offer. Maybe the club will not accept the offer [if and when it comes] because he is a good, young, English player.
"If somebody wants to buy Ross it's a big deal. If there is no interest then he will stay and be part of the team.
"I respect every personal ambition of every player. Still he is training with Everton, he is part of the team and training in a good way."
Everton finished seventh in the Premier League in Koeman's first season in charge at the club, but the former Southampton boss is hopeful of an improved finish this time around - if he can get more transfer deals done.
"If we can do the business we want then we're stronger than last season," he said.
"It's difficult. we're changing a lot at Everton on the pitch and off the pitch. It's important to grow but it is difficult because you need one or two big clubs struggling and then maybe you can make the next step.
"We have big ambitions. The end of the transfer window, it's more realistic to speak about what is possible. We have spent money, but everyone is spending and looking for the best players.
On the race for the title, Koeman added: "Teams like (Manchester) City and United will be stronger. We know it's a big fight and it's difficult to go through the big clubs."
