Ross Barkley could become one of the all-time Everton greats, says caretaker boss David Unsworth as he urges midfielder to discuss a new contract
- Everton midfielder Ross Barkley is in the final year of his contract with the club
- He has previously turned down the opportunity to extend his stay at the Toffees
- But caretaker boss David Unsworth has appealed to Barkley to change his mind
Everton caretaker manager David Unsworth wants Ross Barkley to stay at Goodison Park, saying the midfielder could become an all-time great.
Barkley's future has been up in the air for some time, with a proposed move to Chelsea falling through on deadline day in August, but Unsworth is keen to see him commit to his boyhood club.
The 23-year-old, currently out of action with a hamstring injury, is in the final year of his contract at Goodison and has refused to sign new terms.
Ross Barkley's Everton future remains unclear as he approaches the final six months of his deal
David Unsworth has urged Barkley to reconsider his decision not to sign a new contract
But Unsworth, who has taken temporary charge following the sacking of Ronald Koeman, said: 'My opinion of Ross is I would absolutely love him to stay. He could be one of the all-time greats here.
'We shouldn't be losing players of his quality. I feel very strongly that we should not be losing our own players.
'I would love him to discuss the idea of signing a new contract.'
Asked about the progress of his recovery from injury, Unsworth said of Barkley: 'He is coming along nicely.'
Unsworth's first game at the helm comes on Wednesday when the Toffees visit Chelsea in the Carabao Cup.
Barkley has been busy trying to recover from a hamstring injury and is close to a return
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