Robles and Barkley absent from Tanzania trip

I hope we don't see Stekelenburg in goal at any point this season though. The thought of Pickford getting injured for any length of time fills me with dread.

As for Ross, well if he's injured fair enough. If he's not, see ya lad.

I would love to see him stay and learn from Rooney. He clearly has the talent, but does he have the determination to fulfill it? I think if he leaves he could end up regretting it. Remember Rodwell!

The statement on Barkley which Koeman said was forthcoming at the end of the season, in which many felt was being held back by Bill, might actually happen now. With him either signing or departing ASAP.

I also wonder if Bill thought that, by bringing Rooney back to act as a mentor to Ross, would encourage him to stay. But ironically having Rooney back basically pushes Ross further down the pecking order.

I just can't fathom where he goes next. A couple of years ago, I thought he should have left for his own good. He was going backwards under Martinez and would have had very good transfer options. Now? The top 4 or so wouldn't want him and no-one is going to pay seriously big money.

Incredible to think he could end up somewhere like West Ham or Swansea for a relatively low fee.

He's really fucked this up! The best option I can see for him is to sign on and prove himself to Everton.

He's not signed a new contract, so Koeman's left him behind more likely, same as Robles.

Are my eyes going, where's Pickford?

Or both are close to the door and need to be around for negotiations... sounds plausible too.

My reaction is ambivalence, and that is telling.

Ross should sign on and prove himself. I fear for him otherwise.

Niasse & McGeady are still knocking about presumably?

I think the solution could be to offer a slightly higher (face saving) contract, and loan him out for a year or two (like Real Madrid have done with Rodriguez) to one of the better continental teams – Atletico Madrid, PSG, Monaco, Borussia, Juventus, Roma, Sevilla, etc, and then review his situation. I agree the posters above that our own young Evertonian should not be allowed to waste away his career with either sitting on the bench (for one of the Too 6) or playing for one of the lower Premier League teams. I don't want him to go the Jack Rodwell way.

As for being a young blue he didn't think much of the club or fans when he refused a reasonable contract. The parallel with Jack Rodwell is very real.

Specialist individual attention unlikely to be brought to/available in Tanzania. Sitting in a plane for 20 hours over a few days, even in first class, not great for groin strain, so could be true about Barkley. Availability for selling discussions a bonus in my view.

Barkley has knocked back contract extensions for years. He sowed the seeds himself.,"Koeman for publicly setting deadlines which put Barkley under unnecessary pressure and Barkley (and his agent) for not reading the situation and compromising with Koeman."

Barkley has knocked back contract extensions for years. He sowed the seeds himself.,Turned on,BlueKfrog,1,06:24:58,,110.23.11.243,probation,18950,07/12/2017 06:24:58,EFC_Fan,probation,, 830365,35179,toffeeweb,12/07/2017,Mark Andersson,markandersson180@msn.com,"Well nobody other than the men involved know what's going on with Barkley. Ross took a gamble for his own reasons, by not signing a new contract. Maybe he knew that Rooney was on his way back and felt he might not get game time.

Badly advised or just stupid, Ross is a blue so should have stayed, he will be gone, it's just a matter of time.

Unlike a lot of fans, I'm not excited about next season. The realist in me thinks we will be slow of the mark, because of all the new signings and loosing Big Mouth.

Badly advised or just stupid, Ross is a blue so should have stayed, he will be gone, it's just a matter of time.

Unlike a lot of fans, I'm not excited about next season. The realist in me thinks we will be slow of the mark, because of all the new signings and loosing Big Mouth.

Many internationals have the most tenuous links with the nations they represent. So it is with Bolasie. The idea he is an ambassador to "his home continent" because he is playing in Dar es Salaam, 4,000 miles from the Congolese capital, is unintentionally patronizing and demeaning.

Africa is not his home in any sense. Would you say Funes Mori had some ambassadorial role in his "home continent" if we were playing, say, in Brazil? Probably not. At least Funes Mori is actually from South America.

Ross, frankly, can do whatever he wants. It's his life, let him get on with it. My gut feeling is he's been advised to sit it out as in 12 months he should be open to lots of very lucrative options and Koeman, who I think is the crux of the problem for Ross rather than Everton or the contract, may even be gone.

Which is fine, but don't cry foul if you find yourself not playing a pivotal role next season and whatever you do don't get injured Ross, because then everyone, especially you, loses out.

The bottom line now is Ross if he stays has a serious fight be in the first eleven and that can only be better for Everton FC.

We have had too little quality options for too long now which led to the likes of Rom and Ross playing regardless of form or effort etc.

Something tells me his story would be very interesting. Who are his advisors? Did they really just stay quiet during his 4-year decline? What's their plan now?

My view is that he should have left the club years ago. Never a good fit with style or managers and, while he's absolutely responsible for his performances, I don't think you could say he was being developed well. Surely that's the advice he would have been getting? If so that would say he refused to follow it to stay with us? Or were all concerned happy with how things were? Not likely is it?

Never known anyone keep so quiet.

It's actually a little condescending this thought that Africans unite. The French won't love Klose because he's German. When you think in that context it all seems a little silly.

The guys here in Tanzania are excited to see Rooney! Guys at my work have really got a fondness for Davies too. They want to see the best players in the game, end of.

Barkley is a good player not a great one like we all crave him to be. It can't however help your morale or performance if your boss is slating you on a regular basis whilst less talented individuals get away without any negative comment.

Once the all the hysteria and hyperbole has died down over the signings we have made, the mood on TW might settle down. On balance, I'm not sure our squad will be any stronger at the start of this season than at the end of last. In defence we will be definitely stronger but the loss of Lukaku will hurt us over the course of the season unless we get someone in who can get 20 plus goals a season.

I'd be amazed and delighted if we managed to surpass last seasons finishing position of 7th.

We've spent 𧴜m and we're still spending!! How much money would it take if your eyes for us to have a stronger squad??

Koeman's got it spot on by leaving him at home. This trips more about bonding because of the number of new signings rather than the result and you don't want some miserable kids moping around the place.

Daniel Levy will pop up with seconds to go in the window and he ll leave for buttons which is probably what he'll be worth if this drags on to January.

I think we also need to bring in another centre-back as I don't rate Williams and Funes is inconsistent. Would like to see Jags and Keane start the season as our first choice pairing.

Given we also lost Kone, Valencia and Lukaku this summer, we need another player up top. Be ready to roll then..

You could say exactly the same about "British" sports stars. Perhaps we should check the eligibility of James McCarthy to Ireland.

Everyone loves to group people together to fit their agenda. Does Gareth Bale represent Wales or Great Britain? Would a Welshman or Scotsman support a fellow Brit who was English?

Bolasie's family clearly come from DR Congo so what's the big deal? Remember, all these African countries wouldn't exist if the superpowers hadn't carved them up ready for war.

It was a throwaway comment; stop trying to find racism where there is none.

Hear, hear!

It's possible that if you asked Yannick if he felt he was an ambassador for Africa, he'd say Yes. But you certainly don't know.

Re Barkley, could be Koeman playing hard ball and doesn't want a disruptive influence on a bonding trip, or it could well be a groin strain. We'll have to wait for the book.

Here we are looking a bit silly with no offers for a guy who we thought was worth 㿞m, but looks like will go on a free next year. Rooney's arrival might be the catalyst to break the impasse or the spark to make Ross want to stay...

Oh to be a fly on the wall!

If we can get him on board that is, we should be offering him a first team place ahead of Davies, Mirallas and Calvert-Lewin in my opinion.

He's hardly there to play and with others been left behind with lesser injuries, why else would he have travelled?

The fact that he isn't in Tanzania is significant, regardless of a reported injury; this trip is only about satisfying a contractual obligation for our new shirt sponsors, they will want all of our high profile players there for photo opportunities and hand shaking at every stage; the game will be a stroll in the park.

I think this is the final confirmation that Barkley's future will not be at Goodison Park, I wish him well.

Now if someone is obviously being racist then yes they deserve to be called out on it.

But to accuse someone of making a patronising and demeaning comment because they suggest a player with African roots, a Congo DR international, could be an ambassador for our club is absolutely ridiculous.

Would we use Funes Mori as an ambassador should we play in South America? Of course we would because there would be more local interest.

Perhaps the original poster, haven't seen the post, committed the mortal sin (there's me upsetting fellow Catholics now) of choosing the wrong word when he chose "ambassador" and the zealots on here see it as their job to put him right.

If they'd stopped to realize what the Tanzania visit is all about, i.e raise the clubs profile in Africa, grow the fanbase in Africa, develop relationships in Africa then they'd realize there was absolutely nothing wrong with the comment.

There's too many on here ready to crucify posters for things which they've posted which may not necessarily be funny to some but to jump up and wave the racist or homophobic flag is ridiculous.

I suffered it myself recently over a comment about a former player of ours and Paul Pogba.

I did a little research and was very interested to find a story concerning Jonathan Ross. It was regarding a comment he made about considering having your son adopted if he wanted a Miley Cyrus mp3 player.

The complaints accused Ross of a homophobic comment. 61 people complained, out of an audience of hundreds of thousands maybe. Offcom's statement was: 'The comment was clearly presented as a joke intended to make light of the reactions that some parents may have if their child chooses a toy that is very widely recognised to be designed and marketed for the opposite sex.

'The humour was therefore based on the absurdity of the scenario and was not intended to cause offence.

The last line sums it up for me, though I'd be the first to admit that one has to be very careful in what one says, or prints. Having said that if someone prints something which 9,999 of the readers don't have issue with and one reader is outraged, who's got the problem?

An example closer to home. In 2011 I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. I went through the lot: surgery, radiotherapy, drug therapy, anything that was going that had free tea and biscuits. Some of it they reckon I didn't even need but when there's a chance of a Hobnob (careful Brian) who could refuse?

Anyway I returned to work after the surgery (not yet knowing I needed radiotherapy) and was subject to and party to numerous jokes: "Morning Mr Limpock", "Hey Brian did you order starch?" Stuff like that. The humour was"to a very small number" brutal.

To me? To me it was an acceptance that nothing had changed between me and those party to the jokes. I was there, alive, my mates were glad (I was quite pleased myself to be honest).

I've probably not put this across as well as the likes of Eugene and other wordsmiths on here would do (shoulda hired Eugene to copywrite it for me).

Anyway. Fuck it, up the Toffees! (No offence to caramel flavoured sweets anywhere no matter what their religion or sexual orientation.)

He seemed so confident he was going elsewhere, clearly doesn't want to play for us. So why hasn't he gone? Because so far there is no better offer! If he changes his mind and wants to sign the contract I would withdraw the offer and reduce it considerably. He doesn't deserve a new long term deal. He doesn't want to play for us!!!! With that attitude I don't want him playing despite all the ability and talent he has.

It saddens me that 'one of us', one of our potentially greatest talents has dug this hole for himself.

I wrote an email to every employee that worked in my "group." One of them was female.

The email explained how I'd "discovered" my symptoms and, errr, had to do with what gentlemen do in their private time. It was done to point out that if you're not aware and you don't pay attention, it could be too late.

I got over a hundred emails back commenting on how brave I'd been to put the email out there, all that good shit. Got a few funny ones saying they always knew I was a wanker etc...

But I got one, ONE email from a supervisor who said "I'm sure "Sally" will be very embarrassed next time she eats in the galley. Maybe you should have been more sensitive to her feelings."

Sally, incidentally was one of the first to say "Always knew you were a wanker, Williams."

I cant see Ross or his agent forcing the issue so, if the club want to try and get anything for him, they need to do it. He can't say he wasn't given his chances on or off the pitch.

Bolasie's that crazy, it wouldn't surprise me if he tried to get on for the last five.

Sorry to hear about your personal challenges mate, but come on; no-one is accusing Peter of racism, but neither is the original poster.

It's a throwaway comment; nothing more. Let's just leave this were it belongs and concentrate on the actual post.

Soz for the rant but what I tried badly to highlight has been creeping in here more and more.

But, to follow your suggestion: none of us know what's going on with Ross and he could have problems of a personal nature or whatever, which has brought him to where he is. Having met the lad he doesn't seem to be the conniving money grabber some think he is.

Mind you... you don't know people 'til you know em, as they say.

ps: My biggest personal challenge mate is being a bloody Evertonian!

I wasn't aware that Barkley had said anything at all about wanting to play Champions League football, although it is the holy grail for any footballer it seems.

You may know more than me, but I haven't got a clue whether his contract offer is great or not, obviously he or more likely his representatives don't think its good enough.

You don't know!!! None of us do!

There isn't anything out there that we could even begin to form an opinion on.

I recall seeing him in an interview saying he wants Champions League. His contract offer has been widely reported at around ٣m pa. Obviously I don't know that for a fact. But its supposed to be correct.

He must think he can get more elsewhere, although maybe he has personal reasons for wanting away. I'm amazed a journalist hasn't asked him!

What's the big secret why he hasn't signed? He should come out and say it. Maybe then I might have some begrudging respect for him. But whatever, as far as I am concerned I don't want to see him sign the contract now – only because he hasn't got a better deal from another club.

He needs to go now. Sad, but totally under delivered on the pitch and now off it as well.

How right she was, Brian! (Smiley emoji after that).

As far as Ross Barkley is concerned, I am at the point of despair with the lad. I can't think of any player who has been given as much playing time to prove himself, yet continually fails to deliver any sort of high level of consistency. I have willed him to do well and make me eat my words, but I am sorry to say that he has confirmed the belief I've had from the beginning, that is, he simply hasn't got it and never will have.

Please don't accuse me of jumping on the bandwagon of 'Barkley Bashers' because I have been a critic of his for many years, taking stick from most Evertonians, who thought he could do no wrong. Like many others, I have been astounded on occasions by rare flashes of brilliance, only to be bewildered and dismayed so often, at his complete inability to see and play the early simple pass.

I wish Ross Barkley well elsewhere. Nobody will pay £50 million for him. Most observers are not as blind to his deficiencies as the loyal Goodison faithful are. I would graciously accept £20 million from any bidder.

My guess is that it won't happen though. I believe he will sit his contract out and move on in a year, with EFC losing out financially. Koeman is no fool. He can see right through the Ross Barkley situation, both from a playing perspective and a financial one.

I hope Pickford's performances match the huge fee we paid for him. He will make mistakes, as all goalies do, and I will not be quick to judge him, but I have a lingering doubt about left handed goalkeepers. I don't think I have ever seen a top class one.

I can guess at two factors – he wants to move out of Liverpool to London where he wont get the same attention when out and he didn't really like Koeman calling him out a bit last year, which means he doesn't have a relationship with Koeman that he thinks is good for him (but its not been a proper falling out at all).

The good thing is that we now don't need to care! We have bought players in the midfield and forward positions and can continue buying in the future. He is not needed nor do all our (hometown) hopes fall on his shoulders anymore.

But it does leave me feeling a bit sad anyway. The dream scenario has always been seeing him blossom in to a top player in the Everton Blue but now we have doubts on both if he'll become a top player and whether it will be for Everton!

She was, mate, but now........... not so muuuuuuuch. :-)

I just hope you're not taken to task on here for making such a "wankerist" comment!!

All I know is we need to keep our skillful players who can make a difference – and Barkley is one of those. If he leaves I think we'll regret it as i'm sure he will come good.

Yes he's inconsistent but, in the right team with the right players around him, he can be sensational.

I always thought Robles, when given a run, did okay. Pickford is young and will make mistakes but, unlike Robles, he won't get hammered for them.

This is Burnley's award when Danny Ings moved to Liverpool.

Danny Ings signed for Burnley as a 19-year-old in the summer of 2011 after many years at Bournemouth. It was reported that Burnley had paid a transfer fee in the region of ٟ million.

Danny appeared 122 times for Burnley in the League, scoring 38 goals, with 11 of those goals coming in the 2014/15 season in the Premier League.

Signing for Liverpool in the summer of 2015 as a free agent, the PFCC would ultimately order Liverpool to pay Burnley an initial compensation fee of ٤.5 million.

Additionally, Liverpool must pay up to ٟ.5 million based on further appearances and also 20% of any profit they make in the event that they sell the player to another club.

Makes you wonder what is really going on, doesn't it?

What about Ray Clemence?

Looking back, I can't remember if Clemence was right handed or left handed but remember that story so assume he was right-handed. Nevertheless I have to agree he was a brilliant goalkeeper.

He clearly rates himself higher than he is, and assumes top 4 clubs will swoop in for him. But, as has been said by others, he will not get anywhere near the starting line up in a top 4 team.

Some of the blame should certainly land with Martinez as he isn't the greatest coach around. However, Koeman is regarded as a top coach and has clearly challenged Ross to improve himself – something Ross seems either unwilling or unable to do so far.

His best/only real way out is to sign the contract, show commitment to the club, knuckle down and accept the increased competition for places that now exists and try and improve himself to land a regular starting spot.

I can't see him moving as no-one looks interested, especially at the figures we seem to be asking. If he stays quiet and sees out his contract to go on a lucrative free next year then that will just confirm what a lot of people suspect about him.

I am not sure if he was left-handed. I know he always took goal kicks with his left foot.

He has stalled, whichever way you look at it the lad is stuck and is going to get little chance to influence the manager if the contract remains unsigned.

Should he sign it, it still would be a long road back as the there's a growing queue to get back in the team. He's failed a seasons audition, the others now get a turn.

He's a player Koeman inherited, not bought, so his chances recede further in my mind. Much like Southampton, this close season has seen a high turnover of players and Koeman has shown he wants his team; fair enough. Although I do not buy into that bollocks, with the players 'long live the King n all that'.

I take the point that his silence is a mark of respect towards the club, unlike a mouthy Belgian we know, his behaviour merits a nod to him.

But I cannot understand why his agent hasn't made one single statement to help get out in front of a situation which has swallowed the lad whole.

Anyone know what his pyjama situation is?

I can't guess what's gonna happen, is he signing, leaving, really injured? Time will tell, I hope he stays and we bring in other top players as well.

I've just looked at two footballing sites, neither state which hand he was favourite with, but on two photos he is pointing with his right hand on one and throwing the ball out with his right hand on the other, so maybe he was right handed.

By the way, Brian, can you think of another top class left-handed keeper?

I think some are grossly under-estimating his ability. He still has much to improve, but in the last 4 years our best performances were when Ross played well.

To think he'll be off to Palace or West Ham; don't be silly. He will be headed to north-London, either Spurs or Arsenal. Arsenal may well lose Oxlade-Chamberlain, and I'm sure Ross would be an upgrade on him, and the future of Ozil up in the air.

Their attacking options, such as Perez, Walcott, Akpom and Walbeck are either injury prone or not good enough and Sanchez will likely leave. So Ross would be an obvious option to them.

While he wouldn't take Alli's position at Spurs, he could easily play as a foil for Kane. A definite starter he wouldn't be, for sure, but them aiming for a title charge and European success, he'd be a great asset considering their only other attackers are Jansen and Lamela (who have hardly set the world alight) and Son, and while on the right of midfield they will likely discard of Sissoko. Also, at his age being English, his value will only increase.

Comparing him to Rodwell is also unfair. Rodwell was a crock even at Everton, his move to Man City was unwise, but he wasn't half the player Ross currently is.

I hope he stays. But we must plan for his exit; if he does stay then bonus. You can never have too many attacking options.

He is still young and may have gone through a bad period of self-belief but he has to get over it no matter which club he plays for. He wouldn't be the first player of immense talent not to fully develop into a world class performer.

Many have fallen short and ended up with a Jekyll & Hyde career. Remember Jeffers and Vaughan to name just a couple Everton have had.

I for one would love him to get another opportunity to prove himself at Goodison – especially with the newbies who may just provide the competition to boost his shortcomings – but, failing that, I still think he is worth a tidy sum to many Premier League clubs.

We might as well let him go now for free, nobody is going to pay a single penny when they can sign him for nothing in 5 months.

The Twitter postings that were selected would welcome him to the Dark Side!!

Therefore it could have been a factor in Barkley stalling on the new contract, because ,as a poster pointed out above, Rooney's arrival pushes Ross down the pecking order. It would explain a lot.

I also suspect that Ross not going on the jolly to Tanzania is because he is about to be transferred. My hunch (pure fantasy) is that he may go to Newcastle.

I'm sure they do but it's a bit bigger and there are a few more people there.

Last sesaon this player was demoted. No question there. He was furious, yet he upped his game through his own determination and effort. That is not the attitude of a coaster or a quitter.

To my way of thinking, he is head and shoulders better than Stekelenburg in every respect.

London is a big city with a lot more going on than just football.

I am also disappointed that Robles looks like he's leaving. He is a good goalie and still only young.

The same applies to Barkley. He obviously doesn't want to play under Koeman and that's probably why nothing has been said as to why he wants to leave.

The derby clangers, the moment of madness taking down Vokes for the penalty against Burnley, I could go on.

Not even close to being good enough for a top 6 side, no surprise to see Koeman show him the door. We could sign Messi and some on here would still be pining over last season's squad, which let's be honest, at a lot of times were rubbish! I for one am enjoying the spring cleaning!

Do keep up!!!

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/everton-winger-yannick-bolasie-given-13318675

The club have been at best negligent with him and arguably have treated him poorly. When he signed the last 4-year deal, why was that not 5 or even 6 years?

Last season before xmas Koeman brushed off his contract as not a priority and would be dealt within February/ march. It was no real surprise that theses factors allied to Koeman's indifference to him must have informed his decision.

I would love him to stay but in my view so far he has conducted himself brilliantly and I shall look forward to following his career wherever he goes.

On the playing side, I appreciate the disappointment that he might not be a great player but he is still a very strong Premier League player and for my money our best performing player in the second part of last season.

He divides opinion amongst supporters, frustrates and disappoints in a match. He consistently runs down blind alleys, loses the ball in bad positions and makes the wrong choices too often. He shows no consistent evidence of learning lessons. He is 24 next birthday.

Every so often he does something to delight you, but they are few and far between, and getting less frequent as time passes. I've sat at Goodison and watched him many times, and I am willing him to succeed, probably like many others, but he doesn't – he frustrates and you simply cannot rely on him to deliver as a member of the team. Even simple basic skills delivered often would suffice.

I just don't get the reluctance to accept this after all this time. I don't think we've ever had a player so unproductive where so many people cling to an illusion that flickered intermittently several years ago,but is not to be seen these days as other teams and coaches have sussed him.

Somehow it is the fault of others he doesn't succeed, managers, structures, the shortcomings of team mates, the supporters (and I genuinely believe there is no malice towards him). It's probably not a matter of fault at all, but aptitude, ability, mentality, whatever it is it, it isn't working.

I would love him to succeed but sadly I don't believe he has it in him for whatever reason, but I would be delighted if he proved me and many others wrong.

For him, for me and for Everton.

Shrewd move by our new backroom to take Yannick.
More publicity and spreading the name of the club.

They haven't got much wrong up to now.

Chris (#97), sad but true, although the second half of this season he did establish some consistency. The bullet cross to Rom against Leicester was a thing of beauty. But you're right that it happens too seldom.

However, James (#74), that's way too harsh for me. There is absolutely no evidence that "He clearly rates himself higher than he is, and assumes top 4 clubs will swoop in for him." He has made no such statements and projected no such arrogance... all he has done is refuse to sign a new contract.

John Pierce (#76), Ross doesn't have an "agent" like Riola... he's represented by a company in LA. They don't do statements unless there's something concrete to announce.

I don't doubt that Ross is one of the most technically gifted players we have seen and has the right physique for the Premier League but his sense of awareness, lack of application and heading ability all let him down.

There is also something deep about the lad, yes he is quiet but there always seems to be something on his mind.

Anyway for me he has pissed on his own chips instead of knuckling down and signing a new contract he is basically sticking two fingers up at the club and Koeman quite rightly has had enough of it.

I also read a few months ago that a Spurs delegation had met with his representative and following the meeting were so disappointed with his demands that they diluted their interest.

Whether its a greedy agent or the player its up to Ross to decide whether he wants to play for Everton or not. I get the impression he has been left behind to sort his contract situation out with Boys Pen Bill... or not, as the case may be.

Jay, that is exactly for you – it's your guess. You have no way of knowing what's gone on. The only one that has spoken publicly, positively or negatively, is Koeman.

Barkley is not compelled to speak out. His silence may be respectful. Equally, it may be tactical, or advised by his management. The only one getting near to sticking two fingers up is Koeman. I say that because he's the only one that's given out anything for anyone to work with, should they wish to guess what's going on behind the scenes.

Rooney said he knew he was coming to Everton two weeks before it was announced. That didn't get out. No-one knows what's happening.

Not doubting you, just asking for more information about them.

I know that sounds daft as we see Ross every week so would naturally be more critical but I have to say even them across the park seem to rate him very highly, and for them to do that it tells you something.

I have to admit to now not having a clue how I feel about the lads performances because I have been one of his detractors, certainly over this last season, but judging by what's being said about him just about every where else people really rate him.

Scratching my head so much I'm getting splinters!

Others, including pundits and especially other teams supporters, watch a few minutes highlights or digest other people's views on television or in written media and get their views predominantly there.

One example was the Watford match at the end of last season, where Ross scored a nice goal. Some sources made him MotM, and Sky were raving. In the stand there were a few of us talking towards the end, and we thought Davies especially at right back second half, or Gueye, or possibly Valencia in the second half were all candidates, but no mention of Ross. Even allowing for bias, scepticism etc there was no way... but there he was MotM.

And maybe we're a bit more demanding too.

I want Barkley to stay. I'm aware of the poorer performances but have seen the good things too, and still think he can be better used, and recapture form by his own input.

I was a little surprised several seasons back when Man Utd fans I spoke with starting to complain about Rooney as I'd seen nothing wrong in highlights (hopefully they were wrong!).

No doubt though, home grown players seem to get it heavy when things don't go well. Some of it is a bit much.

My guess is that Ross is set to go out on loan with the metaphorical 'option to buy'. Odds are that he will come bouncing back to serve out his contract as a bench warmer?

If you want to deal in hard facts, stick to the OS!

I hear you Will. Just makes for things being even more confusing.

Personally, I hope he stays if that's what's gonna make him happy.

I wonder why?

Ross Barkley's agent is called Paul Martin who is one of the most reputable agents in the game. He is agent for a lot of Everton players past and present including Arteta, Cahill, Stones and also Barkley.

The reason I know this as he also represents my nephew who also plays for Everton.

Barkley is represented by Wasserman, a large agency in Los Angeles.

Other footballers they represent (or have represented previously) include Blues like Gana Gueye, Kone, Tim Howard, Timmy Cahill... plus Stones, Gerrard, Robbie Keane, Carragher, Jordan Henderson, Drogba, Sakho, Daley Blind, Smalling, Bony, Wilshere, Shay Given, Woodgate and some of the US women's soccer stars, including Alex Morgan.

They also rep NBA stars like Russell Westbrook and Anthony Davis, and several major NFL stars as well.

They're highly professional and corporate in their approach. No spouting off like the individual agents in Europe.

A statement released by Barkley's agents Wasserman Media Group said: 'Ross was the victim of an unprovoked attack by a stranger who approached him.'

He's based in the US but specializes in English footballers.

The difference being, that Ross thinks he is a lot better than he actually is, and will still be showing glimpses of his potential two days before his testimonial, should he stay.

I arrest my case, m'lud. Glad Phil Walling, agrees with me!

The Massai village is not really recommended though, especially their mud huts, as they are only about 6 foot high although they do drop a little inside, but are also pitch black, even in the middle of the day. I doubt Ross or Robles would be able to stand upright in them.

All in all though, a wonderful trip and Ossie will be thoroughly enjoying it.

Since Rom started at the club, a ball into his feet would be a 50/50 chance at least, and I am being favorable to Rom, that something would happen with it; he got better, but as a teammate, there will surely become a point where you would have second thoughts of what to do with it, sometimes he should give it, others times he maybe shouldn't and that in itself is a big problem.

Its not all Ross's fault either! some of Rom's positioning and run's (mainly I'd admit towards the end of his time with us) were non-existent, he statistically spent 3 mins per game on average sprinting!

ill end with one example which happened a few times, I remember at least 3 occasions when Ross was wide, played the ball across / inside the 6 yard box. Where is Rom? he's on the penalty spot with his hand up.

by not making that run, Rom makes Ross look bad, if the ball does come back and Rom scores then fine and maybe Ross/Rom should know what to do in that situation. I mean they do more or less spend all day with each other, but by not making that run, Ross doesn't have options, if he Rom makes the run in close he takes the defenders in with him, creating space for on coming players; it was Rom's goals or no ones.

If a player refuses to sign a new contract for over 6 months, he is basically sticking two fingers up at the club.

I know it is widely reported that Spurs are interested, but if he went there he would just be a bench warmer. With Kane,Ali,Erickson,Son no place there.

I think Koeman has made it perfectly clear that if Ross didn't sign when the season finished he would look elsewhere, and he has. I am sure if he had wanted to stay the contract would have been signed by now.

Not gone to Tanzania because of a groin problem... really? I think this is just Koeman underlining there is no future for him at Everton. But I wish him the very best and hope he finds a club that will get to unlock his potential.

Ross has a sense of awareness second to none when he has movement in front of him. The problem with his game is when he has no options and he holds onto the ball too long. He will be a top player when he moves on and I for one hope he does.

No one would say that Seamus Coleman is an ambassador to Serbia because he happens to be from the same continent but for some reason someone who was born in Europe and happens to be of Congolese heritage has "an ambassadorial" function in Tanzania. Nonsense.

Not racist, but nonsense nonetheless.

There have been the Hodgson grumblings and Warnock's knocking. I have little time for either of those two, but it does seem that there is a pattern developing.

Is it that Ross finds it hard to stick to the plan or does his keenness to get on the ball to make things happen get the better of him?

Koeman certainly seemed to have grown weary of him and in my opinion was trying to ease him out without upsetting our fan base.

All part of managing in the modern game I suppose. Time will tell.

Remember, this is the club that brought him through the academy through which he was recognised by England and now IMO he is sticking two finger up at the club.

You are all entitled to your opinions but I think Barkley owes the club and the fans more than this situation which is entirely of his own making.

It didn't help the last few seasons where he had an unnamed one in front of him who would constantly be giving the ball back to the opposition. I always felt that Barkley was trying to do to much on his own because of that. I will admit though that his decision-making was questionable at times.

If given the option, though, 㿞 million for Sigurdsson or keep Barkley... I'm taking Ross all day long.

The only caveat I'd accept is that IF the new contract is less than the previous one he has a right to stall. Otherwise he's just another egotistical, self-deluded, typically grasping "pro", end of.

The first thing Rooney could tell him is that his sale when he was just 18 saved our/his/Ross's club from financial melt-down, and he still got/gets pelters, so woe-betide any near-24-year-old player who feigns to be a fan but never got close in four seasons to delivering what Wayne consistently did before he could even vote, but still costs a fortune in wages and will deprive our/his/Ross's club of the maximum return from his sale by selfishly hanging on in the expectation that someone somewhere might offer him a few grand a week more than he's currently offered, millionaire as he already is.

I just hope that this Barkley business is concluded quickly. A 㿔m fee has been banded around from somewhere and looking at a Spurs site, their fans reaction is much like ours to the humungous fee Swansea have put on Sigurdsson's head. I'll be surprised if Levy pays that, but it's actually not that ridiculous going on other business this summer.

He would follow that up, with absolute howlers, woeful positioning, and inept dealings with crosses or close range stops.

My conclusion, yes, maybe okay in an emergency, but given the job on a permanent basis, complacency, would set in.

I wish him all the best, should he get another Club, but doubt very much, that it would be in the Premier League.

He's 24 now, so he's not an inexperienced kid. Yet on far too many occasions, he's making the same errors he was making three or four years ago. This is what so many Blues find so frustrating about him. And I'm afraid the odd glimpse of brilliance doesn't make up for this sense of frustration any longer.

We need to see real evidence that Ross is maturing, is learning from his errors, and is becoming the type of player who can truly control and influence a big game.

Ross Barkley may become next season the greatest English player of his generation but his stupid agent has put him into an auction where Ross could never at this point replace the player in his position in any of the players in the six clubs above us.

This is interesting. Maybe an explanation is that the nation states that exist in Africa are the legacy of colonisation and quite unlike those in Europe. So, whilst there is a pan-African culture (just like there is a pan-European culture – so not homogeneous but still identifiable).

In Africa the nation states are much weaker so it may seem less odd to an African to embrace someone who's descendants are from another African nation state than would be the case in Europe (Peter's Coleman - Serbia example).

In Hong Kong the tennis following public went wild for the American tennis star Michael Chang in the early 1990s. He's not from Hong Kong and not a Chinese national. Nor did they go wild for fellow American Jim Courier who was playing at the same time (who was also not from Hong Kong or a Chinese national). I wonder what it was that they like about him... his height maybe?

I can't remember anyone else managing more than one, if that. Funny old world, eh?

It was widely reported that he had been offered £100k a week and he turned it down.

Some Spurs players are on £75k a week but that's about as far as they would go with Barkley.

None of us really know the issue because the lad nor his agent have commented except to say he wants Champions League football – well, don't we all... but he is better placed than any of us to help EFC achieve it.

By leaving it until well into the spring before offering him anything, then issuing ridiculous deadlines (which were treated with the contempt they deserved), the club and in particular, the manager created this situation.

Koeman's constant public criticism and the painfully late contract offer gave the player and his agent the absolute right to take their time. I hope he stays, I don't want him flourishing elsewhere, but those who said with an absolute certainty that Koeman was bossing situation must now realise he has no control at all over it all and those who said Barkley would not be allowed to run down his contract must now realise that it is and always was a very definite possibility.

Alan @ 148, I remember that well. He can be on our line when defending corners and take up a static attacking role when we have the ball. 😊

If this happens, Barkley's career at Everton will be virtually over, the signing of Klaassen means he could be third choice; a move or loan would seem to be his only option.

He should of signed the contract he was offered, it would of secured his future. He has been very badly advised. I imagine that contract offer has now been withdrawn.

He'll go to Tottenham for 㿀m but at the end of the window as Levy is no mug. Sadly they have us over a barrel but that's not Koeman's, Kenwright's or Elstone's fault – the blame for that solely lies at Barkley's feet. His heads been turned and he clearly wants out of Liverpool.

I personally don't think he's anything like a 𧴜,000 a week player. Davy Klaassen will be superb for us. Tom Davies will also get more game time if Barkley goes, which I for one am delighted about.

He frustrates me more than Lukaku, so a hard pressing front line sounds good to me. Evertonian or not, he's not good enough for our starting 11.

For me, the dilemma Koeman faces is who to sideline out of Davies, Gana & Schneiderlin... assuming Klaassen takes the attacking midfield slot.

Koeman knew he'd never get 㿞m but he has to play hard ball. The truth is, I don't think Spurs really need him. I wouldn't be at all surprised if Ross is still here after the window shuts. Maybe we'll then get the best out of him for a year as he puts himself in the shop window.

Barkley effectively has 5 months left on his contract before he can start speaking to other clubs. Whichever club he chooses will get him for nothing, and that will probably double whatever we are offering in terms of a weekly wage.

I think a few European Champions League clubs would take a punt on him for free, I'd say his agent is doing a pretty good job.

I'll be amazed if he does a U-turn and signs a contract with us.

I doubt Kenwright will get shafted over Barkley, and we will receive a fee of some kind for him before the deadline. Feel sorry for all those who have loyally stuck by Ross, he obviously doesn't give a toss about Everton.

Goodbye Ross... don't forget your boots.

I think you're absolutely right to respectfully point it out where you see it, as you did.

You summed it up perfectly.

Does Koeman have to show players respect in public too?

Barkley is within his rights to not sign. This leaves the club the options of either changing/improving the contract offer, or selling. Barkley and his agent are not obliged to find another club. The club have to consider offers as and when received.

Since we've heard of no offers yet, what would you suggest Barkley do? Maybe something's brewing now, with Ross left off the tour, or maybe not.

Levy or those at other clubs might well hang fire until late in the window, chancing their arm that Everton will drop the price down low. To imply that Barkley would actively conspire with Levy is frankly ridiculous.

I mean look at Moyes and his refusal to sign a new contract on the instructions of SAF. Underhanded things definitely happen for sure.

I agree with Steve (#157), his agency is doing what their client wants, and as long as Ross can handle the uncertainty, he's in a very good position.

But our Ross seems not to understand these simple things, as his dwindling performances have exemplified to me for over two years. His body language and expression tell me it's all just a little bit too hard for him, this pro footy business.

I wish it wasn't so, because he has skills other players can only dream about, but as he nears 24, I think he's missed the boat.

Fuck me – we've had 15 years of feeding on scraps and now everyone is an expert on what's good value.

I don't seem to remember Koeman doing the same to Lukaku after "persuading him to stay one more season" despite having three years to run on his contract. Or may be that has just shown how this manager thinks this is the way that this business should be handled.

Ross has been made a very generous offer by the club, and he has refused. All players in this day and age are mercenaries trying to exploit as much money as they can via their agents, so Ross is doing nothing that others wouldn't in terms of running the clock down and forcing a cheap/free move with a more lucrative contract at the end.

I can understand this from journeyman professionals like Ibrahimovich who move around constantly milking contracts, but not from a home grown local lad who came up through the ranks. I would have hoped he would have shown the club some more respect for all the resources they have pumped into him from an early age.

The fact he is letting it get this far shows his attitude to the club sadly. I will gladly take anything to get him away from the club. Over-rated, lazy, poor decisions, lack of progress, and ultimately lack of respect.

Onwards and upwards and lets hope he really regrets it if he flops at his new team while we crack the top 4! :)

But his form doesn't improve. No matter, you just want to sell him in January anyway.

But Barkley isn't playing regularly – or at all – between now and January, which means that other clubs are not exactly sniffing around him, and all the while he's collecting 𧵄k a week.

And very few other clubs are going to be able to offer wages of more than 𧵄k a week even if they do want him.

And any clubs that are interested know that he is sucking 𧵄k a week from the club, and that soon we are going to be desperate to offload him, even at a stupid price.

The imagined clamber to sign Barkley for upwards of 㿊 million doesn't happen.

No problem. You could always loan him out at the very end of the January window – maybe he could discover some exciting form playing at Burnley, or Huddersfield, or Newcastle.

But they can't cover his 𧵄k per week wages, so you agree to pay half just to get him playing elsewhere. So that's now just 㿲k per week that is being frittered.

And on. And on.

I'm not saying it's going to happen with Barkley, but when a player is on a bumper contract at a club then it can be hard to move them on if nobody else is going to offer them an equivalent salary elsewhere.

Now that Lukaku is gone and Rooney is here, I wonder where that leaves negotiations? Surely Barkley cannot expect to be earning the same wage as Wayne Rooney?

As Andrew says, once he is on big money, it will limit the clubs that can come in for him, especially as we would hold out for more because there is more time on the clock.

Time to cut our losses and move him on at whatever price, trim the wage bill, and set a precedent to others who want to try and play the system.

Tony @ 171, I more accurately should've said, his agent, though he of course operates on Barkley's behalf.

Well in what way might he conspire? To wait around right through the window, whilst Levy tries to gauge the time to strike at a lower fee?

With Kane as Spurs highest earner on 80 basic, up to 110 under various rises and factors, Barkley is going to earn at very best, about the wages reportedly offered by Everton; but more likely on par with Alli maybe. If Levy "Pinched" Barkley on the cheap, it isn't going in the player's pocket as wages.

An inordinate signing on bonus would rather give the game away, and would pressure the Spurs wage structure to boot.

What if someone else comes in and has their offer accepted by the club, whilst offering higher wages to Barkley, and perhaps more chance to be a guaranteed first team fixture? Will Barkley turn that down?

I don't see any benefit to Barkley in sitting tight just to help Levy chance his arm in saving a few sovs. If the club should stick to a fee that Levy won't pay, Ross could be left hanging.

Despite that some have suggested it, I seriously doubt he wants to sit out his contract, rotting away on his existing wage. If he did, why make a "Deal" with Levy?

This said, as I type it occurs to me that the only scenario could be that Ross is so unhappy or unsettled here, that he just wants away so long as he doesn't lose money. I still think he'd want to keep his options open with other clubs.

This fella I was talking to has been correct many times before, he has also been wrong now and again. I can also see holes in this story, one being Spurs offer less money than Barkley has been offered by Everton, or the offer reportedly offered by Everton.

Despite his situation, he us obviously up for sale, not one club has made an approach. If he was as good as people make out there would be clubs trying to steal a March, not waiting until late in the market to get a reduced fee but risk him signing elsewhere.

I don't think Barkley is the player some believe. If he stays and listens to the manager, with the attacking options he would have in front of him, he may become near to the player we hoped for, though not a top-of-the-shop player, in my opinion.

I was writing my post as you posted yours. Maybe a compromise can be reached. It would definitely been reached before Moshiri.

Thing is now you have got Levy on one side of the table and an equally astute team on the other side. Who blinks first....?

The world's gone mad... mad, I tell yer!