No movement on Barkley contract

He simply hasn't kicked on over the last few years and, though I would prefer him to stay, part of me would be interested to see how we played with a better decision maker in that playmaker role.

On the other hand, there have been plenty of times when I have thought that Ross has been hampered by the mediocre movement in front of him. Perhaps some superior attacking players around him would get the best out of him. Either here or elsewhere...

He is simply not good enough to move to a team higher than us in the Premier League (Barkley going to Spurs is made up agent/paper talk for me).

He may get a move abroad to a decent team but would it be a step up from us? Unlikely.

But there is something obviously going on we are not party too as I would have thought he'd snap our hands off on a nice new fat contract. Especially with the dross he's served up for most of the last two years or so.

If he was anything other than an Evertonian who came through the ranks, I'd imagine most of us wouldn't give a toss if he left or stayed. Like Mirallas.

Ross is still not at the standard of Alli, De Bruyne, Coutinho, Sanchez, Hazard and we need to bring in competition.

Try that one on the 146 posters on the "Mirallas new contract" thread who clearly do give a toss!

I've read most of those comments (and indeed contributed) and I still think most of us wouldn't care if Mirallas left. The underlying theme I took from that thread was that it was good to keep hold of him because (a) we wouldn't lose him for nothing; and (b) he'll be a decent squad player.

I put Barkley in that bracket right now.

I like the lad and fear he will have a Rodwell-like career trajectory if he leaves, but if he wants to, then so be it. We need our business done early, in and out.

Which Premier League ace has become the first to create over 100 chances this season?

This puts Ross in third with 80 chances created. Only Eriksen and De Bryunne ahead.So Alli, Coutinho, Sanchez, Hazard and the rest are behind Ross.

This is in a team that is not top 4 and with inconsistent runners ahead of him.

As for the contract, who knows what goes on with the player's agents and our board? I can only imagine that Barkley is also waiting for news, as his advisers seek the best deal for him.

Incidentally, I have a feeling that he (Ross) will not sign a contract and will run down his current deal unless he is made an offer from elsewhere (unlikely in my view) that he simply can't refuse.

It's an intriguing situation, without any indication as to what is holding him back from signing. Hopefully we'll know soon enough.

Difficult situation if nobody comes in for him and he doesn't sign!

Still... sitting on the bench for more money suits some, I suppose!

On the Premier League official site for stats:

Barkley has 4 goals and 8 assists.
Mirallas has 4 goals and 6 assists.
Dele Alli has 17 goals and 5 assists.
Erikson has 8 goals and 12 assists.
De Bruyne has 5 goals and 15 assists.
Sanchez has 20 goals and 9 assists.
Hazard has 15 goals and 5 assists.

These are the real chances that were turned into goals- a more reliable statistic than so called "chances created". More importantly ,look at the goals totals, and you see the important contribution.

I suspect that by prevaricating he'll therefore stymie the one thing he'd need to be able to potentially improve as a player at Everton, namely the early signing of better players around/instead and in front of him.

Greed (ie, agent) and gullibility (Ross) will not sit well with Koeman, who I believe will prevail against any on the board (or behind it) who still are as soft-headed as Ross by wanting to keep him at all costs.

The lad's had years and despite Daily Star stats (!) fails to improve. Indeed he regresses. Very sad.

If Barkley isn't staying just get him shipped out but as mentioned above I'm not exactly convinced there's going to be a long list of clubs chasing an attacking midfielder with three goals from open play in 18 months, that can't head a ball, rarely see's a pass quickly, rarely shoots anymore and basically just doesn't warrant the hype he's received this past year or so.

If he goes, I guarantee he will just go along the Scott Sinclair road of floundering around someone's bench if he joins a top five club (which I really can't see), then he'll end up at a Newcastle or West Ham in two or three years.

Don't let this drag on, we don't need a saga.

We need to be targeting six or seven first-team players and putting our efforts in to that.

There are plenty of great players out there so personally, if he goes, he goes. We are Everton and on the up; he would be a fool not to be part of our evolution.

Part of me wonders whether Ross wants to get away from the "area" for obvious reasons. He seems very much like a homebird though and I honestly couldn't see him thriving abroad.

There's been mixed messages in the recent past. First it was "we'll look at his contract at the end of the season"; then there was "the contract is there if he doesn't sign he'll be sold."

All very unsettling for us supporters!

It appeared that Laudrup was as talented as Platini. But he was not a leader and he did not dictate games. For a while all of football in Denmark were frustrated.

Laudrup then went to Barcelona and got huge success in a different setup. He was not a leader and he did not single-handly dictate and run games. He got a free role on the left and on his day he showed all his talents.

He just did not have the same as the big leaders in the late 80s like Maradona and Platini who were leaders and dictated games.

Maybe, just maybe, there is a parallel with Barkley. Somehow he is set up and expected to dictate the game, in a Gerrard type of way. But Barkley probably does not have one single leadership gene in his DNA. Maybe we should bring in someone else for the position. And maybe let Barkley be given another role. Maybe as a left midfielder who can drift inside. Maybe it would be healthy for Barkley to be relieved of some responsibilities.

I frankly don't see him to be attractive for any team above us. And why should he join West Ham or Newcastle? No; downgrade his role and put a few better players around him.

Stan (#27),
Agree, there are things we are not privy too, and that is unlikely to change.

I would be interested to see what happens if Rom's agent has his licence suspended over the Pogba transfer.

However, Stan I'm contradicting myself with another saga.

The club is bigger than anybody, end of.

That said, if he doesn't sign before the season ends then he needs to be sold so we don't have this saga running through the summer along with Lukaku.

Barkley could also talk to McMahon, Beardsley, Lescott, Gravesen, Rooney, Lineker and others. It's nonsense to think that Everton always signifies the peak of a player's career. Part of that 'we are chosen' crap that gets peddled these days.

My view is that they are all replaceable. Clever coaches can get amazing results with good players well coached – look at Simeone at Atletico Madrid or Rainieri last season. This is what Everton should aim for, not pandering to the ego of pseudo-gallacticos or the greed of agents.

Impose a two week limit on negotiations. If no deal, then sell. He's absurdly overrated and over-hyped anyway, as most of them are these days.

Just make up your mind, kid and stop pratting about.

As I said earlier, he can opt to run down the final year of his contract and move (after signing a pre-contract agreement as early as January if he so wishes) for nothing in a years time – he wouldn't be the first to go down this route.

He's not integral to the first 11 anymore – if he ever was? If we're serious about our ambitions then there's no room for sentiment and he should move on. That's what would be best for everyone concerned.

He may turn out to be the player we hope he would be but I doubt it.

We need to put a deadline on this and if the contract isn't signed by said date, it is withdrawn and the player will be sold. That way, it isn't a distraction all summer, taking us away from potential targets because of a 'Will he, won't he?' saga.

Deep down, Ross will want to stay I'm sure - but agents hold sway in these situations and who knows what he is going to come up with.

At that point, it will be decision time for Ross but I for one think he will opt to stay. I hope so as I think he will flourish in a more adventurous style of play, which is my hope that Koeman will deliver for next season, especially away from home. Well, I can dream like the rest of us, can't I?

For me, he is lucky to have played so many games, and lately he has stunk the place out. So he has had long enough to sign the contract; yes, he can stay and run down his contract... but, if he wants to do that, then send him out on loan, as you don't want him anywhere near the dressing room or training ground.

So, If you want a consistent 7 out of 10 player to suit our 7 out of 10 team then look elsewhere. The 8 or 9 out of 10 players are few and far between and more than we can afford.

Barkley, when on form, lifts the team and raises expectations. Its his inconsistency which is his lot, take it or leave it, that's the player he is.

Koeman has managed him well, but runs a risk of alienating him to the club. His often public comments berating his performance and fuelling of conjecture cannot have made Barkley feel welcome even if they are home truths... something about washing in public.

This and other clubs, want and expect instant off-the-peg talent. Some players will never reach potential but while they aspire to do so they can excite and give hope (as well as frustrate) with their efforts.

Personally, I hope he stays for the good of the club, I think we have more chance of getting the best out of him than anyone else. For the record, I would have said that about some of those stated players who left when agents turned their heads..

How many 9/10 days would you say Barkley has had over the last few years really hand on heart?

He's slightly improved but only against poor opposition at home in games where really he can't fail to live up to his reputation, but even in those he's not had what I'd call a 9/10 game when he's looked like demolishing the opposition with shots on goal and been a roving maniac in the middle of the park.

For me, when Barkley is inconsistent, he's pretty poor and totally anonymous; when he's having a better spell, he's still nothing more than a 6 or 7/10 at best.

Although if we indeed do sign a player like Sigurdsson, then I don't see Ross getting in our first eleven – never mind Spurs'.

Maybe he's just holding out for more money and he knows if we sign new players this summer that they will probably be on more wages than he's being offered.

Personally, I'd like him to stay just cos we need different options for the years ahead but I'd play Sigurdsson before him.

New signings come in before pre-season training, including a Number 10. Pre-season "Here's your offer – take it or leave it."

The club are playing this situation perfectly.

I'm probably not articulating myself very well but you'd hope that players would be sold and go onto greater things. Maybe I'm missing something?

Maybe Spurs will buy him, but after another couple of months, they will realise they have another Sissoko (plays well one game in ten)!

If Ross goes, that will increase the funds even more. The time for protracted negotiations are over: sign or go.

We were late into the market last year and it has cost us dear. All our rebuilding should be done well before the deadline day. I have total faith in Koeman and his team to deliver some spectacular and worthy signings, and put this club where it should be. If any player doesn't want to be here, then go.

There is no doubt with the youngsters and the youth set up, we will have some great players coming through, which will set the foundations for this club for many years to come.

Barkley just says nothing and leaves the deal on the table – does he think he can slip away without anybody noticing?

He is playing a risky game as there is no guarantee a Champions League club will come in for him and, as every day goes by, he alienates more fans and a manager who just might call his bluff.

"We need an answer on whether he'll accept the contract, or we'll sign a player."

It sounds to me as if he has someone in mind and wants to put the wheels in motion to bring him to the club.

Ahhhhh.... fucking diddums, hey?

That should be the very least expected of a professional sportsman.

If we bought a better playmaker, then I do think Ross could excel in a free role where he might simply be tasked with beating his man and getting a shot or pass in quickly; he's best when playing off instinct.

He's a different kettle of fish to Jack Rodwell who was an athlete rather than a talent. Ross is capable of great things but not the master of his own destiny, sadly. He won't control games but could flourish if in the right setup. I think he could do very well indeed at Spurs alongside Alli and more crucially Eriksen who is a proper playmaker.

I think what can happen is that other players help make you look good. So if you're a bit part, like Gosling, you get a perfect cross from Andy van der Meyde, you have the easy part but get the headlines.

Before the Beckham group Fergie had a lot of "good" youngsters like Robins, Martin etc but when they became the main man at other clubs their shortcomings were exposed.

Expectation levels rise too. 16-year-old homegrown Rodwell gets cheered for doing things people take for granted from £10 million Rodwell.

Love it!

That is the way to deal with players stalling on signing when entering the final year of a contract.

Only one boss here.

If he wants to move on then so be it, the club and fans will move on. Mirallas and Deulofeu can play in the same role and can create and frustrate in equal measure. If he was the real deal, I would be upset.

Love Koeman's stance – and rightly so. Commit or sling your hook Ross!

It's a known fact that Ross Barkley is an Everton fanatic both as a kid and a player; sadly – like another 'died-in-the-wool Evertonian' who left for fame and fortune – I believe he is being manipulated by his agents and has little or no say in his future because of his age as the parasites talk of 'greener pastures', and, of course, big bucks.

Unfortunately, while that other Blue fanatic went on to fame and fortune, there is no way Ross can command that kind of world recognition plus the massive financial rewards that other Blue now enjoys, unless there is a complete U-turn in form and ability. Like many ToffeeWebbers, I hope he re-signs with the club he obviously loves and regains the promise he has shown with us.

.

But what happens if we don't get any decent offers for him, which is a distinct possibility? Do we let him run his contract down? Will he be able to keep a working relationship with Koeman?

Assuming Koeman is not lying about his attacking targets, will the manager just use him as a squad player in the Europa League games?

No matter who it is or how good they are, or think they are, if they do not want to play for us, then get rid.

Sign the deal by next week or get lost; we will sell you and buy a replacement.

I believe Koeman doesn't want Barkley to stay and this is a statement that is going to force his hand and means, whatever the outcome, Ronald will come out looking good.

As young as some of these players are, surely it's not beyond them to tell the agent "Hey you work for me, this is what I want."

Regarding Spurs I just don't see a match. Firstly he would not get paid more than today due to their wage structure. And secondly I agree that he could benefit from Eriksen and Delê Alli. But would they benefit from him.

Spurs is a really hardworking team and somehow Barkley has been made to believe that he does not need to defend. I just don't see him fitting into Spurs high energy game. Unless maybe that is the change he needs in order to improve his game.

Dembele is twice the player Ross is. He isn't in the starting eleven most weeks. Ross would not get in the Spurs side.

As for his development, he didn't have the best coaches up to Koeman. Negative Moyes and then that other fella who gave him no role at all, probably told to go out there with no instructions at all.

With a better a manager here now and with a lot better players coming in (supposedly) to play around him, I think he could really take off.

I for one hope he stays... but I've got a feeling he won't.

Agents? Intelligent pushy businessmen who exploit vulnerable young people with talent. Sickening how they take money out of the game for no return.

I don't know what the hold up in signing has been that's caused the impasse but it's clear now. Sign what's been offered or you're being shipped out.

I can see what Koeman was trying to do and that was having him as good support from behind for Rom. like Dele Alli behind Kane but it hasn't panned out. Ross seems to be playing under a cloud at times and may aspire to doing better elsewhere and like Rom. may want Champions league.

Okay, let's get shut of both if that is the case as they will not be fully focused when contract negotiations get dragged out. Everton would be best to get whatever new players in early so that they can start next season on the front foot with a settled squad after the pre-season games.

Since when has a few extra weeks of the summer got to dictate whether a contract is signed or not? Is Koeman stipulating that if he doesn't sign this week, he will be sold?

If so, it is ridiculous, as who knows what technicalities there are that need sorting out? One minute Koeman claims to have little input on things like this, and the next he is giving ultimatums.

To me, it seems like Ross is being forced out. Perhaps his team are stalling because the offer isn't good enough. I won't judge Barkley until I know the details.

We need players who are willing to step up and take on the mantel of being an Everton hero, and Barkley should be relishing this position; it's hardly like we expect to win the league every season, is it?

Look at Gerrard when he was at Liverpool. He embraced being the captain and leader of men at that club from a younger age than Barkley, the pressure didn't affect him.

If that could be the case and it's about pressure, then I'm sorry but Barkley really isn't the man to take Everton on to the next level.

Either way, if he stays... then start playing, please. And if he goes... I wish him well. Maybe he would thrive abroad?

Arteta is proof that they are out there as the Premier League is overhyped in teams and quality players. Everton need to buy qiuality instead of players like McGeady, Cleverley, Gibson etc. Schneiderlin is quality, so more players like him!

Football is a team game – not individuals... so Ross will be no loss once we get a quality playmaker who can score goals. (Ross has a terrible goals return anyway.)

I think Ross is already gone. And as much as I like him, I'm not heartbroken.

Sentimentally we would all love Ross to stay but he has far too may deficiencies for a club with ambition.

His concentration, tackling, heading ability are all poor and his goalscoring is equalled by Mirallas who has hardly played a game. That is a passenger – not a contributor.

Whatever it is with Ross, he is not signing that contract and therefore needs to go.

Utter grandstanding horse urine of the most vulgar vinegary vintage.

No matter how many times he might try to detonate the hand grenade of 'hard guy in charge here', the only thing Koeman retains any control over when it comes to Barkley's contract status is how big a cock he makes himself look by running off at the mouth unnecessarily.

Go on then, Ron. Ross hasn't signed by the deadline you set. Sell him as you threatened/promised. What? What do you mean nobody told you the player himself actually gets a fucking say? More than that? The final say?

That's outrageous, man. Surely someone should have filled you in about that shit?

I mean, you're a busy bloke, banging off interviews about your dream gig of Baron Greenbacking it around Barca and masterminding how to mount a defence against some raggedy arsed Swans that have been repeatedly mullered all over the shop. How are you supposed to find the time to keep up on pesky stuff like the progress of that bill for the abolition of the slave trade that fell flat on it's arse at the first attempt back in 1790? Only so many sodding hours in the day for Sweet Sweetback's Badasssssss sake.

Those lapping up Koemans abrasive stance on this do realise the lad supposedly lacking a brain is the one left holding all the cards, right?

Regarding some of the comments, that Koeman doesn't rate him, if so, why would the club offer him a new contract, with 12 months left, Koeman is 100% correct with his ultimatum.

As bizarre as it might sound, if Lukaku goes, it might be best if Barkley goes too. Koeman might be thinking that replacing Lukaku might be easier if the new striker has a support person that plays to their strength. Barkley still has no real defined role, and doesn't really match a true No 10 / playmaker role. It would have been interesting to see how many more goals Lukaku may have scored if we had a top quality playmaker this season.

When I look at Barkley's development over the years, when I look how he plays now, it's become similar to Mirallas. He does the same 'head-down' run towards the goal and then tries for an extravagant shot from outside the box. When the three of them play together, we have the most selfish forward line in the league.

Decide now, Ross. Go on our terms, sign or sit on bench.

I like it.

That said, Koeman isn't going to stand any more dithering and I think the one-week ultimatum is the best thing for the club. We don't want this running into the summer. The club are in the ascendancy and if Barkley has doubts about being part of this journey, playing for his boyhood club there's something wrong.

It crossed my mind whether he might be worried about losing his place to Sigurdsson or Rooney, with one or both players looking as though they might be coming in.

I think a player should thrive on competition and that's been the trouble with Lukaku and lesser extent Barkley. They've been the main men even if they've being playing shite. At an established top 4 club they would have sat time out on the bench. Barkley has from time to time but it's usually tactical and he's not had another No 10 come on to replace him.

If he does end up staying he might have to get used to spending periods on the bench. At this moment in time Siggurdson is a better player. For the criticism of Rooney slowing play down at Man Utd, he's still one of the best passers around and trumps Ross both in this and decision making.

At this moment, it seems that Spurs are the only club higher up the league who are going to make a serious play to sign him. How many games would he get there? It makes you wonder.

Very naive post there.

This player has not said he wants to move on and the problem could just be that he considers his pay should at least be the equal of Schneiderlin or that on offer to a player who has been saying for a couple of years he wants to move from Everton and about whom the manager has had little to say.

These things should be kept confidential until settled one way or the other or at least handled consistently.

In my view, there is no possibility of us getting an upgrade on Lukaku; no player more deadly than him will come to a non-Champions League club. However, we can get an upgrade on Barkley and therefore, if he won't commit at this time, he needs to be moved on early if the right offer comes in.

It would be a shame; I'd rather he stayed... but I see no reason why Barkley can't make a decision now if he still enjoys playing for Everton. If he doesn't, it's time to go.

Yes, when it suits, it is the way Koeman operates.

Koeman doesn't like gifted players. His much vaunted hard, "Tough love" approach is reserved for talented players. Deulofeu and Barkley have copped it. Who else?

Lukaku is gifted as a finisher but has been too vital to us for Koeman's public grumbling treatment. For this one, he employed a different approach of suggesting Lukaku would have to leave to fulfil his potential. What a genius.

"Maybe Spurs will buy him, but after another couple of months, they will realise they have another Sissoko (plays well one game in ten)!"

And who wanted to buy that donkey?

I wouldn't get too worked up about it; the agent will probably want the club to match whatever Lukaku has been offered, and the club will want to put a line in the sand regarding silly wages, so here we are.

I doubt very much Ross is involved in negotiations at all. Don't forget, these agents are on a percentage of any rise they might negotiate, plus a fixed percentage of the player's whole income.

As he is from the area and an Evertonian, I would like him to succeed more than other players. I think coming from the area has been a double-edged sword, some give him more slack than other players, some less slack. I can understand if he wants to move from the area and become more anonymous when going out, I completely get that.

However, we don't know his true motivation for wanting to leave whether it be money, ambition or just wanting away. Maybe, he doesn't get on with the new coaching staff, who knows. I don't think that is so important.

What is important is how Everton come out of the deal. If we get a sizable fee for him and free up the wages earmarked for his new contract, used wisely he can be replaced, and some.

Talented, no doubt. But he has been managed by Moyes, Martinez, Koeman and a couple of England managers, we can discuss their individual merits, but none of them have been able to tap into his magic and get him playing like the player that we think he could be.

And there in-lies on of the fundamental problems I think. He didn't put himself up as some sort of 'Legend to Be'. That responsibility partly lies with us and partly with previous managers and the press too. A victim of expectation, definitely.

1. Ross is way over-rated by much of the media & TV pundits.

2. He's not a team player, but is lazy & hides.

3. He may cover more ground now but (defensively) marks space & never effectively closes opponents down.

4. His movement & thought-process is way too slow, giving opponents ages to reorganise & double-up on our forwards.

5. Dwells far too long on the ball to no good effect.

6. Dead-ball kicks are hopeless.

7. Is mentally weak. (Would fit in at Arsenal?!)

He has not improved at all since Martinez's first season and is not good enough for a side with top 4 & trophy-winning ambitions. As for getting in Spurs' team – yes, if they've not got Alli, Erikson & Co; else, no chance!

We need much better in such a key position – sell him – afraid anyone who thinks we'll get a big (£30M+) fee for him is living in cloud cuckoo land.

Ronald is dealing with this in the best way possible for EFC – as he is also with Rom.

I also support the club extending Kev's contract.

If Spurs were happy to pay £30m for Sissoko, they should be required to pay at least that much for Barkley.

Sissoko is crap. At least Barkley has had a number of very good games this season. Well, he's been MotM by Times journalists an a couple of occasions!

Spurs are a shit club; money matters more than anything to them and they should expect no cut-price transfers from us.

Aggressive, blunt and direct might work impressing a load of your mates in car facing down an old doddering bird in Fiat 500 in some faux road rage.

But basically he's shouting into an empty room, as he's repeatedly said he has little or no impact on the contracts. Blahhhh!

As for Barkley himself he's not the superstar many think he could because there have been several games that needed sorting this year and not once has he stepped up.

It's taken the emergence of a scruff bag, anthill mob, all-action bundle of Tom Davies to relieve Ross of his midfield berth.

So much has Koeman not taken to the lad he has shoved him to a right sided "free role" to absolve Ross of defensive duties, simply because he's a liability there and has a fraction of the desire his 18-year-old team mate has.

Why offer him a contract? Lets acknowledge there is talent there so its a case of protecting an asset with only one year left, at 23/24years oold, a business sensible move.

Barkley used to get me excited; driving past players and shooting from distance have either been coached from his game or the lad has no confidence in his locker...

If he stays, a squad place and Europa league games might give him a platform to rebuild. But, until the lad has a full game to his repertoire, then the periphery is were the Wavertree Wonder will stay.

If we do buy a top Number 10, he would be better off leaving.

We'll be bringing in new faces and Ross could end up spending the best part out of a season out the game if he decides to play that game.

If we get no fee, it's possible he'll have very little to do on the field next season and rightly so. Not to mention, the rumoured reason that he wants anonymity away from Liverpool as being the reason for not putting pen to paper. Well, I'd hazard a guess that, if he refuses to move to another club for a fee, he'll be getting more negative attention in and around the city.

I want him to stay but I think he'll be sold this summer and a club will happily pay £35m in today's transfer monopoly money.

No matter how many times he might try to detonate the hand grenade of 'hard guy in charge here.'

I have no idea what the fuck that means.

That's the point I made @93. It could be that he's worried about his starting place with some of the players we're being linked to.

If I was Ross, I'd be looking at Spurs' and Arsenal's attacking midfield options and wondering how many games I'd be getting there.

In that context, I can't see the good in Mirallas signing a long-term contract. And I can't see what would be good about Ross Barkley – the most talented player at our club by a distance – leaving.

Koeman keeps making ultimatums about Barkley needing to 'sign or be sold' and people seem to lap it up:

"the 1 week ultimatum is the best thing for the club"

"..if he won't commit at this time he needs to be moved on early if the right offer comes in"

These are the sort of comments I don't understand. Why? Because Koeman's comments/ultimatum amount to little more than pointless public posturing.

The club cannot sell Ross Barkley against his will. They can't wield the option of doing do so, as though it carries any sort of threat whatsoever, because it is complete bollocks.

"Right then Ross, we've sold you to the 'San Pedro Sore Pricks' for £16m and five buckets full of bellend balm. Can you just sign on the dotted line to say you agree to the move, wages, length of contract etc and so we've got proof you actually waived all legal rights and weren't just having a laugh when you said 'Do what yoz want. Yer can wang me off a cliff wrapped in a load of bin bags bound together with cellotape for all I fucking care, kid'. Got the pen right here for you Ross..."

Barkley can refuse to sign a contract. Everton can say he's for sale and go on to accept an offer. If Ross isn't wanting any of it he can say no and simply sit tight for the remainder of his contract.

If he does go, then it would be because he wants to and the move in question is one that offers what he is looking for in terms of monetary reward and career progression.

Absolutely fuck all to do with Koeman stood there tapping his watch like the bullying nightwarden at the hospital John Merrick was having a blast at (TAP.TAP. TAP "Bed time soon, Wheelie Bin Head. Sorry, I mean 'Ross'. Hur Hurr Hur".

Barkley is the only one in charge of this situation, not the club and certainly not Koeman.

Apologies if it wasn't clear, but I don't believe Spurs really want Ross 'cos I don't think he's anywhere near as good as Alli or Eriksen – I suspect the press etc linking him with Spurs is pure speculation and/or agent mischief (for the agent's own potential financial gain).

As others above have said, apart from anything else, he doesn't work hard enough to suit Spurs' manager.

If Barkley doesn't want to sign a new contract, isn't it better to get the situation resolved early doors instead of reading the transfer speculation all summer with it distracting the club away from our own transfer plans?

I don't know Koeman's plans but I'm sure Ross's decision will have a big say on which players we try and bring in. We'll be playing Europa qualifying games in July. We need to bring in players early.

If the club want him gone, he'll be gone. Plus the 'loyalty bonus' he'll get will soon soothe any distress he might have about leaving.

If he did show it on the pitch, then there'd be no argument, and Everton would soon offer him something to stay for.

The last time he had us over was when be bought Pinnear back for more than we sold him.

I think Koeman, despite the negative comments, is calling his bluff and he will sign.

The are two things EFC can do:

1. make him train on his own for the next year and he will struggle to get a good contract this time next year from anyone.

2. get a good offer and make it worth it while to move on

3. Ross acts like a pro and either signs or fucks off with his final year paid off.

No I was asking about the hand-grenade comment but then you lost me further with sellotape and wheelie bins. Anyway, will catch up soon

Perhaps you can recall an instance when a player has been told by a club, "We have an agreement to sell you to _____ and here's a check for your share of the transfer fee, and they'll be calling to renegotiate your contract"...

...and the player says, "Screw it, I'm not going, I'd rather stay here and play for a manager who doesn't want me for less money."

I remember one... Sterling. But that's it.

No, Ross is not "the only one in charge of the situation"... because if the club doesn't want him, practically speaking he will be moving on. He does have considerable control, but he is by no means in total command here.

Yes, we don't know the details of why Ross (or his agent?) won't sign. But the thing John Daley's bizarre argument ignores is that players want to play at the highest level they can, while they can. And it's in the agent's grubby fiscal interest to get the best deal for Ross, either from Everton or from another club Everton agree to sell him to.

John, you're vivid imagination has taken possession this time and sent you scurrying off into a most uncharacteristic rabbit hole. Come back, lad!

Now I am writing this, I think we should cash in and put him in the Jeffers/Rodwell file.

Fuck me. That's why you got the answer you did!

Detonating the hand grenade of 'hard guy in charge here' = Koeman making public ultimatums about Barkley being sold if he doesn't sign by [insert date here].

Link

I personally want Ross to stay but I agree that he has been far too inconsistent this season (and last). It may end in tears all round if he leaves under a cloud and picks up his career elsewhere. It would be a shame as he has so much potential.

The fact that Koeman's given Ross that ultimatum and not Rom tells me that he thinks he's easily replaceable, which he is; the likes of Sigurdsson or Klaassen from Ajax who we were linked with the other day would be decent replacements.

Rom, on the other hand, is irreplaceable and Koeman knows that. He knows that, without Champions League football, there's no consistent 20+ goal a season striker out there that's realistically gettable.

Precisely.

Keith, I agree, I can't see Ross displacing Alli, Eriksen or any other Spurs player. He's not that good. As you say, it may well be mischief on the part of his agent. Anyone know who his agent is?

Koeman has the power to say Ross will not be picked to play if he doesn't sign a contract. He could also say that Ross will be sold provided Ross agrees to the sale. But both of these would of course be daft and pointless.

Koeman doesn't have the authority to dictate that Ross will be sold if he doesn't sign a contract. He might think he has that authority, but he doesn't. If he did think that, it would be a common mistake of senior managers who think they have powers that they don't in fact have.

It seems, once again, that Koeman should follow the old adage of think nine times, and speak on the tenth. As opposed to verbal shooting from the hip.

I won't be devastated if he goes, but nor would I feel that way about any of our players. However, as I said earlier, Koeman seems to be trying to manipulate this situation.

Koeman is trying to make it look like Barkley is dragging his feet. Has he not got another year left on his contract? On the other hand Koeman says of Lukaku, that he has "two years left on his contract".

From a coach's view I would think that Koeman can plan for next season knowing he can keep Ross for another year at least. In that time, another contract could be signed if all were happy.

Reading between the lines, Koeman has a transfer target in his sights, but Barkley knows about it and will jump ship if the deal is made. He doesn't want to be second choice. I bet Koeman knows this already, and is preparing the ground for Ross's departure.I don't see this as being a big tough manager laying down the law. I see it as bullying, and manipulative.

It is just over a week since many on here were showing concern for Aaron Lennon, and were posting that players are human beings, etc, etc. Now we have a shed load of oafs saying "Good on yer, Ron, show him the door!"

Regardless of Barkley being the new messiah, he is our player, has a year left on his contract, he hasn't disrespected the fans or the club. I hope he stays. He may not be the best, but he is one of our best.

The club could sort the Lukaku and Barkley situation out in one minute by simply putting it out publicly we won't sell no matter what.

Even the loons who host TalkSport think Barkley should publicly ask Koeman to commit for 5 years.

A first in that I regularly agree with you.

And although hypothetical, I think Koeman has been given the nod from on high to issue the ultimatum, albeit another saga!!!

The decision to sign for another club is the players alone. Once Everton accept a bid for Barkley then that is their part played out to the full. They can accept bids continually if that is their want, but until Barkley also accepts then it's getting them absolutely nowhere.

I don't see how it's "moot" at all. He'll have a mere 12 months to run on his contract, not 3 or 4 years. He'll be able to sign a pre-contract agreement with a club abroad in six months, if he so wishes. It's not out of the question or off the fucking wall he could choose to sit tight at Everton for one more year (safe in the knowledge that he is not Oumar Niasse and could not be shat on quite so easily and frozen out with such ready public support).

"..the thing John Daley's bizarre argument ignores is that players want to play at the highest level they can, while they can."

Does it? Go on then. Everton accept an offer from Crystal Palace. Sign with them for four years or stay where you are for another season and see who fancies you on a free next summer? By your logic, there is only one option and it involves pressing palms with Sam Allardyce and pissing about in mid to lower table for four years. No player or agent out there would ever dream of rolling the dice and banking on a much bigger reward in a years time when there's no transfer fee involved?

He has also mentioned his links to the future Barca job, but assured us of his commitment to "the project". He seems to bask in his "fame".

I know a couple of Southampton fans who were scathing about the way he stalled on HIS contract last year, and joined us. Think about this Barkley situation when Ron jumps ship from us to join his next project.

Of course he has a say in whether or not he signs for another club, but his agent has a big say in which that other club will be, and will do his damnedest find him one that he will sign for.

The idea that he would spite himself and his own career by turning down opportunities to leave Everton after the ultimatum passes is inconceivable.

Lukaku isn't liked by the players, that's obvious and Koeman is taking us nowhere with his constant team and formation changes.

Unsworth for me.

I have a source (who shall remain nameless) who says that Rom is off to Arsenal as long as they get top 4.

Barkley is infuriating to watch, so I imagine he must be infuriating to coach and play alongside. I don't think Koeman fancies him at all – in fact I reckon he's hoping to sell him on. Leon Osman said it all; Barkley hasn't gotten any better in 5 years worth of first-team football.

Obviously the contract will be an improvement on his previous one so, if he is unsure on signing it, then he should be given this ultimatum. The Manager needs to know his situation then he can plan for replacements and not left in limbo.

In these days of player power, Ronald is actually "Managing" and being pro-active and dictating the terms and taking control and I love it, that is what a lot of posters aren't grasping.

I am sure, if Ross moves on, he will soon be forgotten when Mr Moshiri gets out his cheque book.

I ask again if you can cite an example of a modern Premier League player refusing a transfer.

Here in the US, it does happen... some athletes have "no-trade" or trade approval clauses built into their contracts, and a player in LA can say, fuck no, I don't wanna move to Buffalo. (Perfectly understandable IMO.)

But while Premier League players have the legal right, I don't recall it ever happening... except for that little RS waterbug I mentioned earlier.

His brain can't process thoughts fast enough to play in the Premier League and his legs don't move quickly enough to compensate.

Take the money and make him someone else's problem.

Named Players' Player of the Year. Bolasie outspoken in his affection and friendship. Calvert-Lewin citing him as a "perfect mentor."

But he's unpopular because... you say so?

And a bit more bollocks... replace the experienced manager who steered us to considerable improvement in his first year... with one whose entire senior management career consists of one week at Preston. I love Rhino too, but give it a rest.

Sorry Mike, I'm waiting to get let out of hospital at the moment so haven't got time to think too much about it.

Heitinga turning down a move to West Ham after they had agreed a deal with Everton is the the only one I can think of off the top of my head.

John Daley is spot on. Koeman fancies himself as a bit of a playground bully, it's contradictory nonsense from him I'm afraid.

So much for "I don't get involved in contracts"... Ross is being managed out, and it's obvious Koeman wants him gone.

I like Barkley and he definitely has had his moments and done a job, but he hasn't progressed as we'd hoped; given a choice now between him or Siggy, I know where I'd put my money.

I agree. Koeman was a far more accomplished player than Ross is or ever will be so it probably irks him to beg the guy to stay.

No... he has chosen to go public with his comments and I personally don't like what Koeman is doing. There hasn't been one utterance or negative comment from Barkley, not one. His loyalty is now being questioned because he hasn't signed. That's deplorable.

We do not know what has transpired in discussions... not a word. So the manipulating by Koeman is tantamount to pure bullying. Maybe Ross should respond to get his side of the story out, like Lukaku, but then the rest of the boo boys would relish that, so he cannot win.

I remember the comments of some Southampton supporters when we got Koeman, being a bully and arrogant so and so... forcing people out... concerned with his own image rather than the team.

Something smells in all of this; Barkley's head may have been turned... but why? He loves the club, but perhaps not the manager – as it's clear Koeman has little time for any player he doesn't like.

My recollection re Heitinga is that Everton had kissed him off and given him carte blanche to go wherever he wanted. I believe he turned down West Ham not to stay at Everton but because he preferred Fulham.

Your memory is better than mine, but I still can't recall anyone other than Sterling turning down both a new contract and a transfer.

Anyway, hang in there.

Does the guy understand the concept of a threat? – "If you don't give me a bag of sand for my battered old Mondeo, I will let it go for 150 quid... so help me I will."

Koeman has acted moronically throughout this saga. While all and sundry have been offered new deals, Koeman has deliberately stalled on Barkley. Time and time again, he told us the club would sit down with Barkley "in the summer". Now he is trying to bully him into signing before the fucking ink is dry.

I'm a fan of Ross; he does have flaws in his game and he is inconsistent, but he has more skill in his jock strap than any of the players Koeman has brought in... or been knocked back by.

If TW's very own George Washington wants Barkley, why has he gone out of his way to create this situation? And if he doesn't want him, How come he can find neither the balls nor the honesty to tell him so?

Two questions: How much do you reckon Ross is looking for? And, given his performances, is he worth it?

Getting bollocked by Williams on the pitch was unprecedented, and Baines has had a go too. Ozzy constantly lets us know how he feels about Lukaku: Not celebrating other players goals; Grabbing the ball to balloon free kicks over the bar; and missing penalties when we have a free-kick and penalty specialist; Constantly complaining to other players about their pass when he can't control a simple ball.

Moyes won Manager of the Month after Manager of the Month... these type of awards count for nothing, mean nothing. I want a manager who can win at Anfield and not lose it before we start.

Stay in cloud-cuckooland if you want to. We are going nowhere with Koeman.

Our pre-season will be starting in 2 months! We need to know Ross's intentions asap. In 2 weeks time, Ross will be jetting off on holiday for a few weeks and may not be back until mid-June. If we don't draw a line now, it will affect our summer transfer policy.

In any case, all will become clear in the next week. If Ross is put on the transfer list and we accept a bid, or several bids, it would be unprecedented in the modern era for Ross not to go. He'd probably be tripling his money, plus there may be a £1 million signing on fee. >His agent would also stand to get a big pay day, so no doubt he would be in his ear as well.

If we accept a bid, he'll go.

I've seen Sterling's name mentioned a few times on this thread. Ross is a very good player but he's not important to Everton as Sterling was to the RedShite. The RedShite couldn't drop Sterling, he was so intrinsic to their success at that time.

We can buy a player like Sigurdsson and get an immediate upgrade on Ross.

Winston Bogarde. Chelsea 2000-2004.

He wouldn't move. Played out his contract.

The club couldn't do a thing about it.

Off the pitch, he was my closest friend on the team and generally the most popular guy to hang out with... great mate, a friend you could count on anytime for any reason.

Rom may look to be an arrogant jerk during the game, but you have absolutely zero idea what he is like in training or off the pitch... or whether he is popular with the other players.

Regarding Koeman, if you want him out, that's valid, although I disagree. If you want him replaced with a youth coach, sorry, all I can do is laugh.

So give him his chance to shine... oh ,just make sure he has a strike partner with him & maybe a couple of wingers too. He might just surprise us yet!

I think he will now go. Very sad but, on a fine balance, for the best all round.

Whether Koeman fancies himself as a bully or it's simply 'that Dutch thing' I've heard about (ie: supposedly 'culturally' predisposed to being honest/rude/having no mental-filter or... whatever) I don't believe it is helpful or productive, basically for the reasons John suggests.

It makes me smile to think that maybe the only use for Elstone and his 'all-round-the-houses-wank-speak' would be in this area – ie: taking Koeman's 'straight talking' and turning into easier to swallow waffle-speak.

Would certainly have been preferable (and smarter) to have heard..

Elstone: "With our current squad, it is felt the balance of the side right now needs adjustment and unfortunately, though the manager sees Oumar is a terrific talent, he believes right now he would almost certainly get more game time with a permanent move or loan to another side. Everton of course would put no pressure on the player and would only want what is best for him and his family. Oumar is an experienced professional who understands the professional game and no doubt understands the arrival of a new manager at a club will invariably mean change and the implementation of new ideas and/or personnel."

Instead of...

Koeman: "No locker here for you, if you want to play football, find another club, you hopeless twat."

(I exaggerate slightly to make the point.)

Klaasen? = Steven Naismith

I just think Koeman doesn't really see him as the attacking midfielder he needs because of his inconsistency and these days he is so slow in possession, twisting and turning instead of seeing the early pass when needed.

The players being linked: Klaasen, Rooney & Tillaesen would all be ahead of him in selection terms, this is maybe making him realise it's time to move on, but I can't see him being a regular in a top-six side.

I don't think Ross has a single agent (like Riaola for Rom)... he's represented by a group called Wasserman Media. They're based in LA and rep some big-name US athletes. Among footballers their clients include (or have included) Gerrard, Tim Howard, Tim Cahill, Carragher, Wilshere and Shea Given, although I don't know how many of those are still on board.

I believe Ross's previous agent was David Moyes's son Quinny.

Koeman has picked on Barkley constantly while Lukaku has got away with murder, and my fear is, we'll be left with the lazy, bad-attitude one while the promising local lad who has had his confidence destroyed by another stupid manager, who knows nothing about Everton, has left.

Barkley's contract has been running down since the day he signed it, and now there's just one year remaining (and six months before he can sign a pre-contract agreement with another team).

I'm sure Everton have offered a competitive contract and that Mr Barkley won't be short of a few quid. Now's the time to tell him to stop piss-arsing about and either sign it or leave.

I like that we have the arrogance to almost say "We don't need you" to a decent player stuttering over a new deal. It's a big turnaround from the soft-soaping of the past.

Don't compare the club's past mistakes to letting Ross Barkley leave! He's isn't up to what we expect of him now, never mind when we push on. Pure sentiment, Clive. If we'd bought him, he'd've been bombed out years ago. Mirallas offers more than Barkley.

You and others might disagree but Neil Warrnock sent him back from Leeds cos he wasn't good enough to get in a League One team. I'm not saying he was right and Ross was only a kid but I can see where he was coming from.

If we're going to get back where we should be, then we need better players than Ross Barkley. He needs to be sold now while his stock is high and undamaged because everyone bar Evertonians think he's got everything.

Are other clubs paying much more in salary?

Will he be a first team regular?

You don't want to play for Everton Football Club. Fine; last home game tomorrow. Monday week, empty your locker. That goes for anyone else wanting out!!!

Koeman has improved Barkley this season – Barkley's most consistent season. Koeman wants more from players. He knows world class players. If Koeman wants to take the club to the next level, everyone needs to be on board.

You can't have players in the final year of a contract. Yes, if Martinez had been in charge, Barkley may have been offered an improved contract.

If Barkley goes, good luck to him. We move on!!

Don't think it fits, though. Bogarde never turned down a transfer. Nobody was ever in for him (for obvious reasons). He just refused to walk away from his contract.

It certainly isn't Barkley. He has played much, much better since January than he did last fall. What made the difference was the ass-kickings from Koeman. Ross's confidence got better, not worse.

If it's precedents you are looking for, try the manager who, for a year, has repeatedly told anyone who would listen that a certain player would not be offered a contract until the summer... then told the player to sign, or fuck off before the summer even got here?

As Osman recently said, he still makes the wrong decisions more often than not, barely puts a tackle in, and goes missing against the best teams. I can't really see him getting into any starting line-up of the top 6.

When Dele Alli came onto the scene for England, you could see how much more of a complete player he was, with energy, goals and work rate. Barkley is miles behind that level.

Admittedly he's one of our better players and we'd need to bring in a quality replacement to improve but we shouldn't be held to ransom by him. If he doesn't want to stay and we can get £30 million, we should get rid. Will he ever fulfil his potential? I'm not convinced...

If you cannot make a simple decision to stay with Everton, then please just leave. It cannot be good for the squad and at least we can move on and look forward rather than stagnate.

If you have any doubt about signing for Everton, you're not truly an Evertonian. Bye.

If that's the case then Koeman is going to be even more ruthless than expected. He knows that time's passing and he ain't got it to waste.

He's already a season into a three season deal. I suspect his ruthlessness won't be worrying Mr Moshiri, in fact he probably welcomes it.

Don't let Moshiri's pleasant demeanour and friendly smile fool you, he wants a huge upturn in this club and he wants it fast. If there're casualties on the way I suspect, to Moshiri, that's part of the cost of doing business!

As for all these nonsense comments about his worth to the side. I go to every home game and no-one is on the ball the more trying to create. He always wants the ball and takes responsibility.

This Sigurdsson stuff. Wow. You go on about Barkley being inconsistent but laud Sigurdsson for MotD highlights. How often does he assist and score from open play?

"Barkley hasn't kicked on" is a comments there. But why does he have to kick on but love in Schneiderlin doesn't? Gana doesn't? Is anyone here seriously going to suggest these two are better than Barkley? I'd like him to get better but if he doesn't he's still better than anyone in our midfield.

He is clearly our second best player. There are people slagging him every time he doesn't score or assist. He is on par with Coutinhio over the last few seasons for goals, assists etc...He doesn't get bullied out of games as much and is playing with unambitious midfielders who don't make runs. But you all seems to love Coutinhio, a red. If hes not as good as Coutinho or Hazard or Sigurdsson or anyone else does that mean he is poor, inconsistent or hasn't kicked on?

The lad would rather play CM anyway. His supposed worst game v LFC away he got tackled to the floor by two men, got up with the ball and roasted 4 players with a run into the box, then set up Holgate for an easy square to Lukaku, which he, Holgate, fucked up.

He had other good moments. He had Lucas up his arse and sometimes two because LFC knew that Gana wasn't going to make a run behind and Davies.

By the way, Davies was awful, gets taken off and Gana was part responsible for two goals. But the game gets chalked up as a "See Barkley hasn't kicked on, he's inconsistent" etc etc

Can't believe you all fall for it. If he had identical performances all season in a red shirt he'd be England captain.

If he had identical games in a Swansea shirt, you'd say "Can we get in there buy him before a top 4 club" based on MotD highlights and few pundit comments. And you would rate him higher than you now rate Sigurdsson.

Starting to think we are the worst fans in the world. This lad should be backed to the hilt. A scouse Everton fan being humiliated by a manager who wants to be somewhere else in two years.

You all slag Lukaku for being honest and saying what every players wants. Yet you don't back Barkley who probably wants to stay... Probably won't if hes reads this thread.

A fan base that loved a Manc Phil Neville and doesn't love Barkley? Step back and digest that please. Think of all the images of Barkley's best moments and Neville's best moments. Then ask yourself if the reality of what you see on the pitch matches the ridiculousness of the critical comments on Barkley, and Lukaku. The sheep like falsehood bandwagons that we created.

Lukaku has a bad touch? hahahaha.

As Osman recently said he still makes the wrong decisions more often than not, barely puts a tackle in and goes missing against the best teams.

I can't really see him getting into any starting line up of the top 6. When Dele Ali came onto the scene for England you could see how much more of a complete player he was with energy goals and work rate. Barkley is miles behind that level.

Admittedly he's one of our better players and we'd need to bring in a quality replacement to improve but we shouldn't be held to ransom by him. If he doesn't want to stay and we can get £30 million we should get rid. Will he ever fulfil his potential? I'm not convinced...

Arsenal: Ramsey, Xhaka, Ozil, Coqulin, Oxlade-Chamberlin, Cazola, Sanchez, Elneny ??

Spurs: Lamella, Waynoma, Dier, Dembele, Ali, Erickson, Wilks, Sissoko

Man City: Silva, DeBruyne, Delph, Fernandinho, Fernando, Navas, Sane, Toure, Gundoga

Man Utd: Pogba, Mata, Rooney, Linguard, Carrick, Herrera, Mkhitaryin, Fellaini

Liverpool: Can, Henderson, Lallana, Coutinho, Firmino, Wijnaldam, Mane

Sure, he could play for West Ham, West Brom, Newcastle, Leicester, Fulham etc. But, in all honesty, if he wants to get a game each week, he needs to stay where he is at. The only other team where he may see some playing time would be at the Dark Side.

Koeman keeps making unnecessary public utterances. He reminds me of the black knight in Monte Python and the Holy Grail, all threat and no action.

"Koeman doesn't like gifted players."

Christ... he must have been pissed off to the back teeth playing for Barcelona and Holland in his younger days.

But it isn't!

HHAHAHA, fuck me, full moon?

That told 'em eh?

Or.. rather it would have if being a bit shouty on TW made a players contract void

Ffs, don't you get it?

I mean do you really not get it?

You (or anyone else) can apply all the wishful thinking in the world and act like a 1970s PE teacher and put a million exclamation marks at the end of your sentences, but it doesn't change the reality, which re player contracts, has been explained perfectly well on this thread.

Barkley: What the fuck's he on about?

Koeman is a good manager with a lot of potential to take us forward into the top 4. If you don't want to be part of that process, don't sign and move on.

Somehow I feel Ross is being badly advised and should sign. However, if he doesn't sign, we will go forward without him.

Barkley may simply be fed up with the lack of opportunity that this Everton set-up allows him to play a more forceful attacking game. If he had a striker like Costa or Kane to play with he may be the attacking force that his talents suggest he could be.

Everton are difficult to beat at their best, they are not a strong attacking force and that is because of the way we are set up and the way we play. We are at our best on the counter, rather than when running the show.

We need strength at the back before next season as Jags, Baines and Williams are past their prime and liabilities as is Barry.

Some others need to be shown the door and for the life of me I don't understand why Koeman is anxious to get rid of Barkley and not Mirallas!

"So why is Barkley getting an ultimatum and not Lukaku."

Well that's easy. Barkley has 12 months left and will then leave for nothing. Lukaku has 24 months left and could still be sold for a decent amount next summer.

Barkley is also more easily replaceable than Lukaku. There are more players who can play that Number 10 than there are out-and-out goalscorers.

I personally thing this is a great move from Ron as it shows he wants his transfers in early and needs to know whether Barkley is an option or not.

He'll want to play, in a Champions League team, and for England. His own reality seems to be that he's already good enough. The real reality that even most of those who want to keep him recognise is that his performances are worsening, and he's lucky to play for us in 7th position.

After five fucking years and 150 matches, does anyone think that this summer he will get start to get real as a proper pro footballer? I don't, and, Bobby Bullshit aside, nor does any proper pro manager who's ever used him.

Apart from criticism by the likes of Ozzie, the fact that in his 22 caps (and that speaks volumes about England by the way) he's only once played 90 minutes against a team worthy of the name, Holland, says it all. Against the top teams, he's a doddle to contain – and that's not the mark of a very good player.

At least with Lukaku, we know he won't sign the contract offer. We know nothing on what's going through Barkley's thought process. With Koeman making the statement, I'm guessing that he has informed the club on any inclination he might have.

At the end of the day, Koeman is putting pressure on him to protect any monetary value he has and what they can recoup if he won't sign. It's better putting the pressure now than waiting to the new season, in which his value will drop even more.

I don't want Ross to go but if Ross does go where does he go? If he wants to 'better' himself. There are six teams ahead of us in the League Table.

Chelsea? He won't get in the team ahead of the likes of Hazard, Fabregas and Willian.

Spurs? Same again, he's got Dele Alli, Erriksen, Son in the way,

Man City? Won't get in ahead of De Bruyne and Sane,

Man Utd? Rooney (ahem) Pogba, that Armenian lad who's name I can't spell all ahead of him. If he thinks that Koeman is being hard on him imagine what Jose would do to the lad!

Arsenal? Not with Sanchez, Ozil, Walcott and Oxlade-Chamberlain ahead of him.

That leaves that lot across the park .

Surely he wouldn't even be thinking of that!

After that it's downhill all the way, with the likes of Southampton, West Ham, Stoke and maybe Newcastle .

Ross needs to jib his agents off and go and borrow a pen off Mirallas and Seamus!

Also, I am sick of hearing what players earn or are offered per fucking week. It is no more our business than what any poster on here earns per week. If you think they earn too much, fair enough, but go watch another sport.

Sorry, that rant isn't really part of this thread.

I truly believe that, if Ronald was honest, then he would say that he doesn't want Ross around. I also believe this explains why Ross hasn't signed the contract, he doesn't feel the love. He's been treated badly shortly after Koeman arrived at the club.

I want him to stay. And he is a far better player than Klaassen and some of the others mentioned in the media. But, if he goes, I wish him all the best.

We need money for new players. Ross is to be sold or we get nothing next summer. It really is as simple as that. It's not personal – just good business sense.

Let's say our goodbyes tomorrow to Lukaku and Barkley and be done with this soap opera.

This is the second time he's come out in public stating that Ross has to sign or take a hike. He wouldn't make these statements without the approval of the Club.

I have no problem believing Ron would be happy to get rid of Ross. 5th season for him playing in the league, 4 of them a starter. He really hasn't improved.

Koeman is correct: if he wants to stay, then sign a new contract. If not, then he'll have to try to realise that potential elsewhere.

I'd like him to stay but as a club, and as fans, we need to know his intentions.

In the past he has been told by we know who that he is the best thing since sliced bread. In fact if he would have been handled differently at least for the past 2 seasons he would have developed better.

All you have to do is look at Lukaku he might end up this season top goal scorer and why because Koeman has not let him have a free ride. He has clearly told him where he needs to develop and Lukaku has listened and improved in areas, of course he can do better and you can see the improvement.

All this jumping into the crowd business is just a front. I am with Koeman on this – if he wanted to stay he would have signed by now. He is just waiting to see who if anyone comes in for him. And Koeman's attitude is you will stay or go on his terms and not if no one wants you you'll stay.

Barkley, you are good... but sorry, not that good.

Bill: "How much do you think Ross is worth considering he's a true blue, Ron?"

Ron: "Hmmm.... not that much; he is over-rated by the English press and some punters. Offer him the same contract he is on and a bag of Wotsits."

Bill: "Are you sure, Ron???"

Ron: "Okay... two bags of Wotits. Get your money man to buy me Siggy from Swansea sell Ross and pocket the change; we wont miss Ross.

"Remember your paying me £6 million a year because I'm the best in the business. Off you go now, Bill..."

The correct response should be... £60k a 'kin week – anybody got a pen?

Q) Do agents make more money from a transfer than a new contract... hmm, I wonder?

The Scene is USM Finch Farm, the day before the dead-rubber game vs Watford.

Koeman plonks contract on table, "Sign this and you might get on the bench, don't sign and you're in the stands and down the road."

[Points to Joe Williams] "Make sure your boots are polished, Son, get ready to show soft arse here [jerks thumb over shoulder] how it should be done."

Short Version; Tapped Up.

We won't get £30M? Wake up! Man Utd paid that for a left-back. We got £47½M for Stones; we paid near £30M for Bolasie. We may loose millions by giving him a deserved massive contract last summer.

I remember us bumping McCarthy up after a terrible season. But you all loved him and knock Barkley. Have a word with yourself.

I'm so disappointed at how many illogical fans we have. Thank God for John Daley, is all I can say.

As for the Spurs comments of Eriksen this, Son that... who's to say he wont play central midfield instead of one of those big stiffs, Wanyama or Dier?

I don't disagree but this is the Sky culture. I don't remember press conferences in the old days. Now that mandates these guys to appear on TV before and after every game. They hound them with the same predictable questions:

Are you leaving Arsenal?
Are you getting sacked, Moyes?
Do you rate Rooney, Jose?
What's your name again, latest Hull City boss?

Inevitably people start mouthing off. Conte is one of the controlled few but give him time and some bad results and that could change.

Mine is not sentiment. It's the product of watching Everton at Goodison Park – a side that has several players that aren't good enough for a top 6 team – and watching him continually create opportunities because the lad has more ability than anyone else in our squad.

Koeman may turn out to be an idiot. Ross Barkley won't turn out to be an average player.

Business is business. I like Ross as a player but I don't think Ronald has much time for for him and more than likely thinks he can be replaced.

Over to you, Ross.

Clive, have you also noticed he is the reason most of our attacks break down? I counted 5 lost balls in a row v Burnley. It might of been more than that but I covered my eyes for a couple minutes.

Ross is more replaceable than Rom. I think Koeman wants to know so they can do our business early. Like we always do!

Of the several times (that I've seen) a questioner has highlighted a good performance by Barkley, giving Koeman a chance to expand and praise Barkley, it's always "Yes, Ross is improving". He struggled with a bowed head to mumble "It's an important player for Everton."

He absolutely will not praise Barkley. Some of the clips of his reaction at Barkely's mistakes show petulance and nastiness unbecoming of a so-called top manager.

He has never wanted Barkley IMO and tagged him as his whipping boy early on.

I've stuck by Koeman but no longer. He wants Barkley out – but where is his ballsy straight talking now? As brutal as you like with Niasse, won't go near the same tactic with a player he knows is a firm favourite with so many fans. Coward. Wants Barkley gone without his prints on it. Of course some will cite this as "Not damaging his sell-on price" or similar.

Tells him to sign or leave without any encouragement whatsoever, just threats. Not likely to encourage Barkley to sign, is it? Yet some on here are questioning Barkley's loyalty!

Would you sign for a manager that handled the situation this way? I think it may already be too late. For Ross to sign now is to be publicly cowed by Koeman.

I'm not going to blindly defend Barkley in a playing sense. He's still so much about potential, and it's getting late. He's showed brilliance in the past but perhaps needs something Koeman can't or won't give. I tend to think that, for a man who's most recent work is addressing the perilous threat of Swansea's diamond, the answer is "Can't".

You say "His brain can't process thoughts fast enough to play in the Premier League and his legs don't move quickly enough to compensate."

I've come to a similar conclusion. In fact, I would say that Ross has been, and still is, at his best when playing on instinct; when he doesn't have time to think.

His problem of late has been his unfortunate propensity for giving himself time to think instead of playing the first-time ball. He plays as if trying not to make mistakes. I had imagined him as a sort of modern day Gazza, with those brilliant mazy runs, but now he's thinking himself out of it.

And why does he need to touch the ball 4 or 5 times when turning through 180 degrees?

Messrs Gueye, Schneiderlin and Davies are all better than Ross in every game.

That is the supporters frustration with him.

He is so technically gifted but cannot apply it to his game.

He can't tackle, win a header, or score goals consistently, and therein lies the problem. Koeman saw it straight away and most supporters are now beginning to realise Ross does not fit into a top 4 Premier League side.

My view is that Ross will make his call and Everton will make theirs. It would be a shame to see another boyhood Evertonian leave but that's football.

Me, like probably a lot of blues, I'm waiting to see how serious we are in the summer before blowing a monkey or two on my kids' season tickets.

Moshiri is taking one hell of a gamble trusting a buffoon and his sidekick with the family silver... ah well, that's Everton – all change... but none really.

In addition to Rom, Gana, Schneiderlin and Davies, I would add Coleman to the list of players who are better than Ross.

It's not easy finding attacking players who can create chances. I'm not totally convinced that it's easier to replace Ross than to improve him.

A player in his position needs to score at least 12 goals a season; 4 is not going to do it. Lets face it if we bring in Sigurdsson, Ross will never get a game. I hate to say it but I think he will be amazing with a change of scenery and then just drift back into complacency.

Always too good not to play but never good enough for a really good team. We just can't make excuses for him forever.

Check the numbers... 34 games this season, 8 assists, 9 big chances created. Never mind comparing that to elites like Sigurdsson and Erikson... those numbers put him on a par with plebians like Zaha, Oxlade-Chamberlain and Matt Phillips.

He doesn't even match up with Bolasie, whom most would consider inferior to Ross. Bolasie compiled 4 assists and 8 chances created in only 14 games. From the wing, not in the middle like Ross. While also working his ass off on defense. Which Ross does not do.

As for improving Ross, three different managers have tried. He's had nearly 180 appearances. If he was gonna be a star, we would have seen it by now.

Unlike Lukaku, I believe he is replaceable immediately. He was my call for Player of the Season I really believed Koeman would coax a real player out of him. He had an excellent run couple months back but last 2 games imitated a footballer.

He is never going to be the in the hole player. I thought he should do box to box but seeing the energy Davies brings to that I'm not sure Barkley is that either.

I have only once I remember got on Barkley's back but wouldn't lose sleep if he goes. I think he might be very very silly to go though.

He obviously believes there are other players out the who could do the job, and isn't to fussed as he wants players who want to be at Everton. If Ross isn't convinced he wants to stay, then he can go and try his luck somewhere else. Simples.

Why won't he sign? He wants more money? Don't know how much he has been offered but I can't imagine he would be short of cash!!

He wants assurance over his role in the team? He is not yet consistent to make such demands.

He wants Champions League football? Good luck to you lad, Everton can't offer that this season, but not sure who you go to in England to get game time, all 6 teams above have better players in your position.

Is Koeman wrong? Does he not rate the player? The club have offered him a contract, they obviously rate him. Unless Ross's agent is telling the club to up the offer, what else can be done?

I personally like the player but believe he needs competition for his place. It's all a bit too easy for him. His past two games were stinkers but, by dropping him, Koeman has to change the set up and, with the current squad and injuries, he is the only player who fills that position. Get dropped; team lacks creativity; get brought back in.

On the one hand, he is technically gifted and can play with real style, the kind that Evertonians really love to see. On the other hand, he just doesn't bother.

Koeman has now set Barkley a deadline to make a decision. How very appropriate. A decision. That sums up the conundrum that is Ross Barley.

What does emerge from this is that Koeman does want Barkley, but on Koeman's terms. It is also clear that Koeman is very determined to get his squad sorted for the season ahead.

The emergence of Tom Davies now means that Ross's status as local lad has been surpassed.

Sadly, Ross has seriously failed to seize his golden opportunity by the scruff of the neck. And I suspect that he never, ever will. I would so love to be entirely wrong and for Ross to go on to put the fear of god into opposition for a decade and more to come, becoming a hallowed Royal Blue Legend.

Yet, in my heart, much though I hate to admit it, I can't see him achieving that.

Sadly Ross fails to find the man moving up on left, turns back infield and quickly gives it back to the clearly exasperated 18-year-old. He didn't want responsibility. And that is his problem. Not talent, not confidence. We need better in that position against the better teams.

I think he's been played out of position.

Going by the Watford press conference I also think Koeman wants rid of him. I wouldn't be surprised to see him with Benitez next season.

A lot of our fans don't take into consideration how tough it is for players in the modern era. Everyone is up against international defenders now not like when Giggs, Scholes and Gerrard broke through.

Hazard's best season has 16 goals and our pundits had him down as on par with Messi and Ronaldo. The lack of perspective in some comments is unreal.

I think you have said all there is to say mate. Barkley's biggest decision will be working out if he can work another 2 years with the arrogance of Koeman after so much love from Martinez.

You're right, Will, and I take it another step an say Koeman is a prick who is on great money to single out our only Evertonian player how many times? Koeman wants to look at his own performance. Plenty of managers have achieved more with all the players they have inherited.

This is the man that bought Stekelenberg and Ashley Williams to the club.. and brought Pennington from out of the cellar for a derby.

But Ronald knows best, doesn't he... makes me cringe, that.

Despite his dip in the last few games (along with Lukaku, and others) one the whole he has improved in many aspects of his game.
He is fitter, he covers more ground, and has also been asked to play in a deeper role at times.

Because we are all expecting him to do something amazing we all complain if he plays the sort of ball that Barry or Davies would play. Every player he comes up against is aware of his ability, his runs across the box (like Mirallas), and they all a ready to thwart his efforts.

Our more defensive style of play (particularly away) has not suited his game, and Lukaku's running is often to the wrong areas leaving Barkley trying to thread a needle in the dark. The fact is that Barkley is capable of fabulous passing, beautiful weighted passes that he sees before others and he has the technique to open up defences. Our system does not suit him.

Koeman doesn't like him, and Ross must know it. Now Koeman is trying to push him out without upsetting the fanbase. What we need is competition for Ross, not another guy who can't be dropped because there is no-one else to do the job.

Keep Barkley, get Sigurdsson as well.

For quite a while now – Saints have not been entirely happy with Koeman. Many of the agreements he had previously made when he first signed, he had not been honouring. The style of football, formation, and most importantly – the much vaunted "pathway" to the First Team from our famed Academy – which under Ronald has been said inside the Club to have become "blocked". His attitude toward our young players, never bothering to involve himself with the Academy or even watch their games [he sees himself very much as a "First Team Manager only" whereas we want our manager to take a keen interest in helping develop our burgeoning talent], often discouraging them, blankly stating that most of them are simply not good enough, and at one point launching into a very nasty tirade of abuse to young Matty Targett, that is said to have stunned those who were there in its cutting spitefulness and completely unnecessary severity. The "esteemed" Ronald Koeman callously tore a sensitive young lad to shreds in front of all his mates, and has since been widely regarded as a complete cunt.

Ronald Koeman, despite his very well presented and controlled public image in the media, is not particularly well liked by many at the Club, to make a sweeping understatement. His aloofness and arrogance on the training ground, his unapproachability, and tendency to snap at players and speak to them in a disrespectful tone has not gone down well. Mane, JWP, Harry Reed, and Tadic in particular have an immense dislike of Ronald Koeman, and others only tolerate his tactless approach as they're regularly in the Team, were enjoying an element of success under him, and don't want to rock the boat. But you get the general idea.

Straight talking? Honest? Likeable? Really?

Sounds to me he has more arrogance with a vindictive edge... much akin to our previous manager.

Puel has played a few of their academy kids and it's widely accepted by their fans that they aren't good enough. Can't criticise Koeman for refusing to play kids that he didn't feel would improve the team, especially when they finished 6th!

Regardless of what he does or doesn't achieve here, he did a brilliant job there.

The jury for me is still out on Koeman.

Likeable? Has anyone ever called Koeman likeable? That's one of the funniest things I heard about him. The man is an arrogant prick and can be a cunt. In the Netherlands and in Spain, this is well known.

I am surprised that anyone thinks they can find him out. Koeman is ruthless and will always make enemies wherever he goes. The man himself can't be bothered about that. He is not hired to be likeable but to improve the overall state of the first team.

What is beyond me is that you actually compare this to Roberto Martinez. If anything, I would say they are opposites.

I think he has bullied Ross and hung him out to dry on many occasions. And I'm not a lone in thinking this, many top player have thought his public treatment of Ross is just wrong. The reality is that he doesn't want Ross at the club, but he won't say it directly, as he doesn't want to look like the bad guy.

Though If I was in Ross's shoes, then I would just sign the contract and hope that Ronald doesn't hang around for too long.

I am torn between keeping Barkley or advising him to go... I think the later sadly.

I think Barkley has got it in him and we should keep him as he may well flourish in his mid- to late-20s when he gets past this inferiority thing, as he matures personally – for now, however we need better and Koeman hasn't got the time to wait. Top 4 teams have much less time to waste.

nb: To be very unfair, how many players now protect their passing (and other) stats like we saw Barkley do? Especially if they are looking to a wage increase or a move? Careers are increasingly built on 'stats' it seems... just a thought.

I can't really remember this happening that much in the Chelsea game but I would love to know who Koeman would have blamed for Pedro's fine goal?

To score a goal like that, you usually need time, and with Gueye following Hazard, then Davies needed some help to shut up the gaps in the middle of the park – something he just never got from Ross Barkley that day.

The guy knows what it takes to get to the top.

I can't see how people make this about whether he likes Barkley or not. If he doesn't want him he signs a replacement, he doesn't give him the option of a nice new better contract.

But wait! Barkley has been offered improved terms!

So he calls him out in public? Has his play improved? Perhaps this is how he feels it best to get a response. Koeman has said himself that Ross asked why he had been singled out.

I remember one passage of play, good build up, Davies passes to Ross, Ross plays a stinking pass under no pressure and cedes possession and gave Chelsea an opportunity.

Can't remember if it resulted directly to goal, will have to re-watch. But, after that, it seemed to me that Davies was reluctant to pass to him. My opinion. Maybe, if you have a watch, you will see what I mean, maybe not

On Koeman, he is guilty of having little patience with the likes of Niasse, and now Barkley. He also dropped Joel Robles after one mistake, and Jags got the chop too.

Yet his man Stekelenburg has been dreadful, and his signing Williams has also had some shockers but has not been punished like Jags, for example.

One rule for his boys and another for the rest?

It wouldn't surprise me if Bill wanted him to stay and so offered him a new contract. So, through gritted teeth, Ronald has accepted it and told Ross to sign the contract or be sold. This is just my opinion, rightly or wrongly.

A lad gives his opinion and backs it up with reasons and your genius reaction couldn't make any insight or enlighten anybody.

Snobbery of the highest order. How many people would react face to face with that comment?

It's really sad we knock each other down but have no input to give.

Enjoy the game tonight, blues.

Is the Man Utd boss a nice guy? He plays to camera, but is ruthless and that guy has won plenty. Why would we Evertonians want less?

Christine (#236), I don't recall anyone here presenting Koeman as "likeable"... I probably wouldn't want him as my boss. But much of that article has turned out to be bunkum... Koeman has definitely given our youngsters every opportunity and encouragement, and three are now regular starters.

Eddie (#249), Joel wasn't dropped for one mistake. He was dropped after FOUR mistakes in four games (he got away with the one at Old Trafford, but cost goals against Liverpool, Leicester and Burnley). Jagielka was deservedly dropped after repeated blunders (and he has come back stronger than ever). It's a manager's job to sit people down when they don't play well.

And regarding your comment at #235, "...Barkley is capable of fabulous passing, beautiful weighted passes" – yes, he definitely is capable. He just doesn't use that talent often enough.

He has never scored goals consistently, rarely won a header from midfield, doesn't close down or tackle and just jogs around the pitch making the occasional "Hollywood" pass.

There is no doubt he is technically gifted but cant seem to apply it on the pitch at the highest level.

Koeman is ruthless and bluntly honest and I for one am happy to have him as manager.

I think its obvious that straight talking Ron understands the management principle of carrot and stick. Tough love is used to great effect sometimes and I think Rondo's handling of Barkley has always been professional and above board; however, you can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink.

By now the player that Barkley is going to be is exactly who he is. He is the finished product. As a 10 he just does not score enough goals as a deep midfielder in spite of an improved work rate he lacks positional sense and tenacity.

Maybe Barkley the Messiah will arrive next season but, in the meantime, we need a professional No 10 for the important business of now. He has been asked to either piss or hand over the pot and yet he dithers and dithers. It's time for Ross to grow up.

Koeman displays much of the same discipline orientated, headmaster mentality. This was okay in an era when the manager had the final say on everything. Ferguson was famous for this, Mourinho is an outlier in today's set of managers that win trophies.

Koeman's approach is crass, strong-arming a player with an ultimatum, where do you go when you don't get the result you want? You look foolish.

Do your business behind closed doors, bat away repeated requests for comment and you look professional and probably gain the trust of a player that everything you talk about remains private, as it should.

If we lean towards the view Koeman doesn't rate Barkley, and he's given him plenty to hang him self with, then okay. You can manage the player out of the club without the circus it's become, you protect the lad and remain in charge.

Instead, Koeman looks a bully for creating negative publicity to the world on how bad we are at handling transfers.

Koeman that.

You may have a point and, if so, the future of the game is bleak. I hold on to the club by fingertips now. If players really do completely take charge, it would be awful and like an episode of Hollyoaks. At 56, I've got better things to do. Petulant tossers.

Ross has been as he always will be, mediocre. Even relieved of his midfield duties because an 18-year-old shows more desire to play that position than him? He shows little outward desire to improve the side of his game that really he has the physical gifts for, that boils down to desire, again.

Both Ross, on the field and Koeman, public relations have let down the club. The two, it seems to me, can be mutually exclusive?

1. Koeman's public utterances have been inconsistent. Sadly, no two ways about this.

2. Barkley can agree a pre-contract to leave the club in January 2018. The leverage is with Barkley and his agent. We stand to lose a key player for, at best, a price below his market value and, at worst, for nothing.

Now comes the opinion part: if we lose Barkley on a free, that will be a stain on the Walsh - Koeman axis. Even if they don't handle the actual negotiations, they did not push hard enough, as the two key individuals responsible for first-team affairs.

I understand what you are saying but Koeman is constantly hounded by the press for updates on situations and Ross has had months to review the contract offer with his agent so all Koeman is pointing out is that Ross has a week to make his mind up and then the planning for next season starts, so he is totally correct to demand an answer.

I agree these things are best done privately but, with modern media and communications, very little is able to be done privately and it was already out there that Ross wasn't signing his new contract.

I look at it this way that players, and particularly their money grabbing agents, are way overpaid and have too much power so its good to see someone take a stand against them.

I happen to like Ross and wish it would work for him but he obviously hasn't got it upstairs and hasn't kicked on to be the young diamond we all wanted him to be.

As said, Koeman chose to answer and condemn Barkley on a number of occasions, in fact, more so than any other player in the squad, on repeated occasions. He clearly wants him out; what other explanation is there when you are told that, even if you sign, he will be looking for another player for your position??? I mean, what the fuck? No wonder Ross is pissed off...

Negotiations are the Board's responsibility and Koeman should not answer or threaten – he is over-stepping the mark.

Do you not think for one moment that all of this is not affecting Barkley or his performance? Why is he being singled out? Why isn't Kenwright telling Koeman to shut up and let them handle it?

Don't get me wrong, Koeman may well think the thoughts he has about Barkley but he has no right to utter them. It's a threat, pure and simple, from a bully who is damaging a player and reducing a possible asset if sold.

Where is the Board on this? If I were Barkley, I would come out to the press and give the other side because we all think this is about money... I don't think it is.

Over the season, Koeman has called Ross out several times regarding expectations and living up to his abilities. Always playing on the pitch related.

Only twice has he thrown down the, "Sign or go" gauntlet. That's the Club speaking thru Koeman.

Everton Football Club is prepared to move on without Ross Barkley. Ronald Koeman is just the mouthpiece.

But the Board have made an offer to Ross and Ronald has to like it or lump it. Though, with Ross not signing on the dotted line, it's giving Koeman more ammunition.

I hope he signs, but I don't feel he will. Sad day when one of our own feels unwanted and possibly has to leave.

First off... I'm not fussed on Koeman. His behaviour has been inconsistent to say the least. One minute, it was too early to discuss contracts with Barkley... then, 4 months later, he's delivering an ultimatum.

Secondly... we have a player in Rom who has had a club record contract that he has toyed around with, made numerous comments to the press as to his ambitions, and he gets what? Nothing.

Koeman himself stupidly talked about Lukaku needing to play for Barca.

He needs to look at himself.

If he was a real True Blue, he would've taken the £100k a week like a shot. Any criticism directed at Ross has been fully deserved; he's had a pretty awful season. He's a squad player and there are far better midfielder's out there, and we all know it.

What if his agent is telling Ross to wait and see which clubs come in for him in the summer? What if he's trying to force our hand into offering more money?

If the Board and Koeman know that his agent and Barkley are stalling, then perhaps they realise that he's keeping his options open and not committed to the club. Perhaps Koeman only wants players that are 100% committed to the cause, and is forcing Ross's hand because he refuses to have our club messed about. Perhaps he doesn't want a player who is waiting to see what offers he gets from elsewhere?

We don't know what's been going on behind the scenes. We have no idea why Ross hasn't signed. Maybe, if we had all the facts, we'd understand Koeman's actions... and maybe not. We simply don't have enough information to determine if Koeman or the club, Ross or his agent, or anyone at all is in the wrong.

If Ross goes and we sign better players, then all will be forgotten very quickly. I'm hoping Ross stays and we sign better players, but I think he's probably off.

Secondly, I'm entitled to my opinion. You know as much as I do, which is nothing at all.

Ross has been singled out, and that's my opinion.

He's been having a go (justifiably in many cases) at the lad all season and in a very public manner. After tonight's game he was asked his opinion of Ross's goal and performance – "I liked his goal". And when asked why he was substituted he replied, "We needed to control the midfield".

He, Koeman, never criticises any other Everton player in such an open way. I've never heard him have a go at Lukaku or Baines or Barry etc but Ross seems to be fair game. This is why I think there's more to Barkley's hesitance to sign a new contract.

Fact – there is a contract on the table with Barkley's name on it; Ross has a choice – he either signs or Koeman is well within his rights as the Manager of the Football Club to execute the next step of putting him on the transfer list.

I'm more interested in Tom Davies and I personally feel that is where Koeman's priority is. The kid has played virtually every minute since he broke into the side and the level of trust shown by Koeman speaks volumes.

Reluctant, minimal and loaded "Praise" every time. It irks him to have to say it, and it's been so since the start.

I listened to the game in the car, just back from a long trip, but didn't hear Koeman. Can you remember the source of that interview?

As a team-mate or manager, the only way I'd accept that is if he was scintillating almost every time he had it but Ross is way short of that. He can be good but Champions League qualification demands way better than good from his position.

Koeman is a hard-nosed bloke. Winners are... like it or not.

I've been searching for comments on Ross' demeanour during the end of season lap – anything of note??