Allardyce 'not in control' of Barkley situation

The Koeman situation did not help whatsoever, but Ross has decided more because of his domestic situation, that he wants to move away, read into that as you will. It is not a 'footballing decision' which does seem a bit strange, as it directly comes into the equation, even though another reason has been declared. Sam has apparently tried to persuade him, along with Rooney, but he seems to have his mind set on leaving. I don't think he will ever stop loving Everton, and hope he doesn't regret his decision later.

Getting back to Koeman, I know he's gone, but just would like to say, that for some unknown reason, he seemed to not want any standout or talented players, possibly being in the limelight.

He shipped Deulofeu out, put Ross back in the pecking order, in order to accommodate his over-priced flops. Lookman, to a degree hasn't had as many opportunities as he should have.

As was suggested, he could move to Cheshire or north of Liverpool out the way if necessary. If he wants to stay, it can be sorted. I hope he does. You just know how it will turn out if he goes to one of the "Big Six".

It may indeed be "The club" that makes the decision, as opposed to Allardyce. Sell to buy? Sticking to their guns on a maximum salary? Will we hear any noises from "The club" about wishing to retain him?

“I haven't had the opportunity yet to find out the truth, or the whole scenario...".

Sorry, Sam, not buying that one. Less than five minutes conversation would sort that. You already know the situation.

We're still a "sell before we buy" club...

It's like a Viz "Top Tip":

"Pretend to be a billionaire benefactor of a football club by selling its 2 star players for a combined value of over 𧴜 million and then spending the money on half-a-dozen average players."

Only difference now, with the new manager – as opposed to Koeman trying to 'force' the issue.. then mumbling a face-saving – but NOT! – apparent U-turn of 'Well, looks like he's still one of our players, after all... Er.., yeah, that's actually okay, that... or something!'!!

Is Sam Allardyce is absolutely not saying "He has to go cos he hasn't signed a new contract" and he is saying, "It's up to the board (of course!).. but.. I hope he stays"!! THAT really so difficult to grasp???

The noise that he is has become unhappy in the area and has his mind set on a change of scene seems to make sense to me. Why else would he turn down great money at a club he loves? Perhaps Chelsea or Spurs may offer more opportunity for trophies but my instinct is that this is a personal decision as much as a footballing one. Hope I'm wrong.

My guess is that he's off in January and if so the best we can hope for is a bidding war. 㿀-㿅m would seem the best we could hope for given he's only 6 months left.

We have more or less got used to Ross not being on the scene, so it won't make that much of a difference, when, and if he goes.

Let's not get too carried away either. I don't think he deserves a pedestal, he could change a game, but how often? He infuriated more often than exhilarated at times, with misplaced passes and back heels to no-one but the opposition. He also had the ability to win a game with a wonder goal, or flashes of skill. Being the Devil's Advocate here, how often was that?

He still claims to love Everton, but in my opinion, has a funny way of showing it.

It will be interesting to see if the 㿏M, which Chelsea were to pay, still stands in this upcoming window, or will it be greatly reduced? Assuming it is, we could well get Moussa Dembele for that fee!

I have a feeling, that Sam will explore old acquaintances in the window too, with less profile players who will do a job. A lot will hinge on who we can offload, we still have a lot of deadwood on contracts, again thanks to Koeman.

The most likely outcome is that he stays until contract ends. That would give Allardyce a chance to evaluate Barkley's importance to the club, find a role for him in his longer term plans or not.

We are not exactly short of No 10s at the minute. Given Barkley's lack of interest in defensive duties he isn't an option short-term and given his lack of vision there should be no place for him longer-term either.

At the minute it would be him or Rooney.

Anyone seriously suggest that Barkley, even fully fit, offers anywhere near with the exception of pace? Pace alone nowhere near enough.

These clubs that want him are no mugs, they see a top talent than can benefit their club, whereas the club see a cash cow... sell-to-buy – nothing has changed. If Ross walked in and signed, Blue Bill would drop dead with fright!

People talk about us struggling because we miss Lukaku's goals and their is undoubtedly credence to that argument, but Rooney is scoring as many as the big fella in the Premier League.

I believe Barkley's absence is also a big factor in our lack of goals, even if he doesn't create them he is a player who commands the attention of the opposition and therefore leaves openings for team mates.

Big Sam can not be held responsible or accountable for this situation... But if he can turn it around and persuade Barkley to stay, he will be accumulating an awful lot of brownie points from an awful lot of people – and I'd be one of them.

There was a particular nasty picture of the scar on his hamstring from the op online yesterday, so it's fair to say he was injured.

If he stays, then he needs to play deeper alongside Gana, cause we don't need another No 10.

Allardyce relinquishes the decision to the board, and admits above, he doesn't have much say in the matter. This implies he's had the opportunity to learn this particular aspect, but not the situation or reasons that have led to Barkley wanting to leave? As if he's not even discussed why Barkley wants to go... sure.

As I said, I don't buy that.

I agree with Sam (#9), I think Barkley's decision to leave could be purely due to personal reasons, which would be very sad IMO.

...and we've equally had a fine demonstration of what happens when we have no pace. To repeat an old argument; of the teams that would be in the frame for Barkley (yes, higher placed teams than ourselves), who else from our current team would they be interested in?

In terms of other clubs, I think it would be a risk for them, fee and wages combined for someone who they can get for less in the summer and have time to assess him in the latter half of this season.

Personally I would love him to stay, however, if Koeman and Unsworth couldn't persuade him then I doubt us supporters will make a difference.

I have no doubt Allardyce is up to speed with the situation and will make his own mind up but at the end of the day it is Ross's decision.

More important is the Clubs transfer business. In my opinion don't expect too much, if anything be ready to be underwhelmed. Realistically what top players will be available mid season? Possibly one or two short term loaners and that'll be it.

I think more or less we'll go with what we've got

Of course Sam knows what's going on but you can't expect any manager to spill the beans whilst there is hope of Levine sparing us a couple of mil in compensation.

Common sense says that if he wants out then he will be gone in January, he cannot be let go on a free, there's no way Moshiri will let that happen.

I would love Lanzini from W Ham and of course this elusive striker.

Also, we have to accept that our kind of billionaire will look after the club's money and spend only what he can see covered by outgoing transfers. And he will arrange cheaper credit for us but not spend his own dough – and why should he?

So he's close to what we prayed for – but no cigar!

Unless Barkley's answer was "I don't know" which the questioner should see as not wanting to stay, then the next move is either the January window for a fee or the end of season on a free. The only question left is if the Board, the Manager or the Player's Agent will deal with the matter.

Personally, I think we need players of Barkley's quality.

He now has more bargaining power for his new contract, as he can walk away to any club for free in the summer. Not good news for us; it's going to cost more if we want to keep him!

I just think deep down he does not want to leave.

That's a great post.
Bang on the money.

Sam said from the very beginning he would like him to stay but it's out of his control – some selective memories here!

But if we talk about money, look at what we've spent on players to play in his position!

We could have paid him a £10 million signing-on fee and £120k a week and still saved a fortune!

I'm thinking, like Will, that he's going, and going for personal reasons. I honestly believe that if anyone can get him to reconsider, it would be Unsy. There's no hint that he was able to, which tells me he's deffo going, and has intended to since last season, and for personal reasons.

Ross without the injury, would have gone in the summer, and I think we would have haggled up to, and agreed £40M.

£75M for Lukaku as an early transfer, but if we had waited 3-4 weeks till after the Neymar nonsense, his value would have been £125m.

With Barkely sale, and Lukaku's re-evaluation, that would have given us an extra £90m-ish, give or take, with better luck, and better management.

Personally I don't think there's a cat-in-hell's chance that Levy will give us a penny for him at Xmas – he ain't the father Christmas type, especially if he believes he can get us to pay his wages till summer and get him then for nowt.

It pains me to say it, but we need to be stoking up an auction, otherwise we are going to outraged and insulted at the derisory amounts that will be offered next month, which we will have to accept, or resist, and then he will go for nothing in the summer.

Over a barrel. Bad luck and Bad management. Hand in hand.

I agree with the Darren (#15) too.. Lukaku's goal are an issue, but Rooney is filling that at the moment, but Ross was the highest English creative player and top 5 I think in the premier league last year, and we miss that little bit of magic.

I never wanted him to go. My son thinks he is brilliant, and yes he has his moments of frustration, but we will lose a lot more than we will gain if he goes, just look at the "replacements" brought in!!!

Worst scenario is he goes to Levy on a free for an inflated wage in June.

It seems like he has wanted Tottenham for a while now , so It's most likely he will go there in January for a meagre 㾶-15M. If we don't agree he will sit it out 㾻M better than nothing in June?

Maybe we can stick on a hefty sell on percentage of 40%, in case he goes for 㿨M in 3 years time.

I am probably way off beam here but the deafening silence from him and his agent (very unusual for an agent to be quiet in these circumstances) just makes me suspect there is more than football involved.

What did Allardyce say last week? It's possible that Ross, was tapped up months ago, and he already knows which club he's going too.

What did Allardyce say yesterday? It's out of my hands, but if he's fit, available, and looks to be giving 100%, then I will play him. He also said it's out of my hands if the club, decide to sell him now, rather than let him leave on a free.

So,if Everton, decide to keep Barkley until the end of the season rather than sell him now, it will mean they are not a selling club?

The decision has never changed, it's always been in Ross Barkley's hand, and now Koeman, has gone, he doesn't have a patsy, to hide his greed, or is it ambition? In my opinion.

1) The club offered Ross a new contract.
2) Ross turned down that contract.
3) The club agreed a fee with Chelsea for the transfer of Ross.
4) Ross stated he wanted to wait until he was fully fit to make his mind up about what he wanted to do.
5) Ross hasn't changed his mind and signed a new contract with Everton.

I know how that looks to me, gents & ladies.

According to the man himself, via twitter on 2nd September, he'd assess his options in January when fully fit.

The team is on the up again, the youngsters are settling in and signing on. He would get more game time with us than the clubs who are rumoured to be in the mix.

He's made it obvious he wants to go, and he has managed to shaft the club out of any decent transfer fee in the summer, and cost us extra wages on top.

Even if he did sign, I don't really want him in an Everton shirt again. I think he has shown utter disrespect to the club. And far too many fans seem to watch his games with blue tinted glasses on.

2 or 3 quality moments in a season, combined with hundreds of misplaced passes and lost possession, along with zero defence ethic, doesn't make him a valuable asset for me.

See ya

From my perspective, Ross hasn't been all that good since he first broke into the side. We'll miss the romantic misty-eyed dream that some of us have of him, but we won't miss the reality of how little he did in so many games.

Koeman being a bit of a grump, the clubs offer, (which might sound lovely to some fans but anyone who links reality to the argument knows he can make more money by moving). Surely if you want him to stay you cover that problem?

And let's not forget, 75% of fans have give him a terrible time because he hasn't met their expectations.

Heaven knows – we wouldn't want to hurt poor Ross's feelings, would we?

As for signing Moses, why not use the Ferry or one of the Tunnels to cross the Mersey.

Also, unless Spurs give Ross a huge signing on fee I can't see them matching wages Everton could give him. It seems they refuse to break their salary cap for anyone.

Ross going to Man City or Man Utd, well if it is personal reasons moving up the East Lancs isn't going to solve anything.

That leaves Arsenal or Chelsea. Unless Chelsea ship out Willian, Fabregas can't see him getting a start every week.

Arsenal, if Ozil and Wilshere go then maybe a slot there.

Lots of ifs, buts and maybes but I suspect Ross and his agent have already done the deal.

For me it therefore boils down to two reasons why he wants out: 1) he had a major fallout with Koeman, 2) the trouble he had in Liverpool city centre when he got sparked is still lingering and won't go away.

If it's No 1 then hopefully he will stay now Koeman has gone. If it's No 2, just move to leafy Wilmslow where all the other rich footballers live.

Anyway, I still think (hope) he will sign a new contract. As the boyhood blue that he is, I personally don't think he will settle in London, after all, why have a change of heart at the last minute to decide against signing for Chelsea?

A lot of young English players have signed for these clubs with big ideas and have simply faded away. You sink or swim at these clubs because if you don't they have the resources to replace you without any problem at all.

Personally, if I was him, I'd stay at Everton. I think we are turning things around. Koeman (and his Barcelona dreams) has gone, we appear to have a manager and coaching staff who know what they are doing and we are winning games. Better the devil you know.

Spurs:- Alli, Wanyama, Eriksen, Dier, Sissoko, Dembele, Winks, Lamela, N'Koudou.

Chelsea:- Fabregas, Drinkwater, Kante, Hazard, Bakayoko, Willian, Musuonda.

Arsenal:- Ozil. Wilshere, Walcott, Ramsey, Cazorla, Xhaka, Coquelin, Elneny.

I hope he stays, but if he wants to leave, take the money and move on.

Liverpool, has got CCTV everywhere, and this is probably the reason why Barkley, kept his mouth shut after this incident happened.

He's had a deal with Spurs from the minute he refused to sign another contract with Everton? I might be wrong, but the injury just gave him breathing space when Chelsea, were prepared to pay 㿏 million for him, and Spurs have told him to wait because he's injured, anyway and they know they can get him a lot cheaper.

It won't just be about money now though, because I'm sure he would have earned more money by signing for Chelsea, so maybe Allardyce can persuade him to stay?

A long shot I know, but not as long as the chances of Big Sam being Everton's manager was, when this season started.

So is it discontentment with Everton management or the fans, career prospects or the money? Or a combination of these.

If it is discontentment with Everton management, I do not believe that stems from board level (Bill is a big fan), so it likely stems from is relationship with Koeman, and that canker has been removed. Sam can probably get him onside. He is a tough talker but I believe fair and I think is fairly popular with his players. I have not heard otherwise. Koeman was simply belligerent by comparison. If it's the fans getting to him then that is a mental weakness which will affect him wherever he goes but again I believe Sam (or his new psycho) can help with that.

If it is down to career prospects (ie, playing for England) then surely with the squads those two teams have he knows he is not going to walk in and hold onto a first team place every week, like David Silva for example, and will spend a fair bit of time bench warming or, indeed, sitting in the stands! As part of an Everton revival he will draw far more attention to himself.

Which leaves the question of money/wages. If he was to go for some sort of fee in January or on free in the summer we will likely as not spunk a pile of extra cash on someone less effective. I would take Ross all day before Sigurdsson or Schneiderlin or Klaassen. We would be likely to spend 㾶M or 㿀M extra replacing him plus all the bent add-ons, agents fees and stuff so why don't the board offer him a big fat resigning fee equivalent to an extra 㾶M a year over say a 2 year contract, amortise that and stick with the wages on the table.

If they want to fillet out the midfield some – just get rid of Schneiderlin and Klaassen. There is a risk, of course, that Ross would bomb and we would be financially down but that is where Sam's nous comes in. He will have to decide if Ross is worth the risk.

All three scenarios have Sam as a major player so how he can say it is out of his hands is not credible in my mind. It sounds from what he is saying that he wants Ross to stay and I hope that is not just a smokescreen to keep us guys happy for a couple of weeks.

For myself, the prospect of a rejuvenated Ross Barkley integrating into a team with Rooney and Sigurdsson, feeding Calvert-Lewin and A N Other up front is mouth-watering. We have less than a month before we know the answers to these questions and I hope for Ross's sake as much as Everton's that he remains – London's not for Ross, I feel.

Sam: "Are you signing, Ross? Yes or No?"
Ross: "I don't know."
Sam: "Well, don't think you are hanging around here getting paid and getting fit so you can sign for another club at the end of your contract. You're going in January!"

How easy and quick was that?

Everton paid a lot more than they wanted to get shafted for Gylfi so they will want to get some compensation for Barkley before the contract expires.

Barkley has tremendous talent but was never consistent and never really moved to the next level.

It makes sense to let him go.

Brian Williams @ 37 neatly sums up the known indisputable facts of the situation.

It is what it is and what will be will be.

1. He doesn't say anything to give hope to Barkley staying. I won't repeat what I think of Barkley, save to say, that quite simply he is in a different league to every player we have in terms of ability. He has been the biggest single loss to us this season, Lukaku included.

2. He is given the opportunity to wax lyrical about the youth team, and does the opposite. He goes on about the English problem of not playing people between 17 and 21, and how well Everton have done, but side-steps any suggestions of playing any of the lads who played in Cyprus.

3. Signings – Yet again he's talked of having a big squad. He quoted 31 players last time, he's now said 32. The noises he's making leads me to believe we will hardly sign anyone, and a few might leave.

4. Sandro – he says the staff have told me he has not settled. Don't know if you can read into that that he will be sold, or that he will be given time and further opportunities.

Wayne has scored more goals in a half-season than Ross has ever managed in a full season. Wayne has more influence on the team, doesn't get scared off by criticism, and he's a better passer.

Ross is a great player and of course he's younger so don't get me wrong – he's still going to be a big loss, but Rooney is better as a like-for-like replacement.

The player we haven't replaced is Romelu Lukaku. Ross is long gone and has been well replaced.

I don't see what else the club could have done to persuade him to stay, and just as a comparison they reckon Alli is only on 𧴜k at Spurs. How ironic that I stated Alli only!!! gets 𧴜k per week.

You also have to question what sort of advice Barkley has been given, when you think he went down to Cobham, Chelsea's training ground, to have a medical and sign for them.

Then he suddenly decides "Hang on – I have got a hamstring injury; I wont sign the contract." Or maybe his agent got a call from Daniel Levy telling him the deal that Spurs will offer him in January when the window opens again.

The broader question is where will he go? Spurs are having a tough time at the moment and may or may not achieve Champions League next season. They're not in contention for the title, that's for sure. Even if Spurs were challenging as they hoped, who is he going to replace in their team? Winks, Sissoko, Lamela, Alli or Eriksen? Sissoko may be but he's behind most of the others.

It's unlikely to be Chelsea as he's probably pissed then right off! Arsenal aren't in Champions League contention; he doesn't fit the Man Utd mold and Man City are arguably well above his station.

I reckon Barkley will come back far stronger but his contract positioning is very odd.

We are overloaded with Number 10s even though Big Sam isn't playing a true Number 10 at present. Lets face it Rooney could play in that position for years to come. Sigurdsson, Klaassen, Vlasic and Dowell to come back in next season.

Time to move on.

It isn't money either. He can be a millionaire here or anywhere else so money isn't really a factor in these matters.

My feeling is that Ross has had enough of Liverpool and wants out. Off to live in London and see a bit more of the world.

I get that motivation was rock bottom until Sam Allardyce joined but I don't think Rooney is far off retirement or dropping further down the leagues.

Ross in a different league to every other player we have? Seriously? Have a word with yourself!

● Gana leaves him for dust with tackling;

● Rooney leaves him for dust for passing (in that he can actually pick a pass and Ross can't!);

● Sigurdsson's dead-ball delivery beats the pants off Ross;

● Lookman and Vlasic are better at beating players for pace.

Ross adds nothing to the team – except a gaping hole where someone else has to cover his shoddy work rate.

I think you are probably quite correct in your assessment as I feel the same way about the Ross situation.

I really wanted him to stay but looking at this season thus far; we need another striker and left back more than a Ross Barkley which really saddens me to say that.

Whatever happens, I can only wish him luck.

My instinct is that Ross has decided that we won't further his career and Pochettino is the manager with the magic touch of turning his ability into consistently good performances.

Best to plan without him.

Contrast that with Sigurdsson; 198 Premier League matches scoring 44 goals with 35 assists and 50 big chances created from just 27 passes per match on average.

The difference is stark, to Barkley's cost. Having played just 48 games more than Barkley Sigurdsson has scored twice the number of goals, had twice as many assists and created far more than twice the number of big chances, and all whilst needing to make a third less passes to achieve it – that's why I won't be too sorry to see Barkley go.

In what way has he pissed Chelsea off, as I see it they had him behind closed doors for a medical and realised he wouldn't be fit til January at the earliest. So they come to an agreement where they get him in January when we've got him fit and payed his wages whilst doing so and they get their man at a reduced fee with 6 months left on his contract.

But, then again, I might be wrong...

In a better quality team that will have more of the ball you would expect his contribution/stats to improve further. Hopefully after January, with a more settled team and the holes plugged, he will be fully up to speed after the clueless set-up Koeman used.

It makes a mockery of Moshiri's grand plans. From a pure football point of view, the club would surely want to keep Barkley. Financially they can probably afford to make him an excellent offer. But from an ambition stand point they can do nothing.

The jam of top 4 within 3 years promised by the Koeman project has been replaced by the back to basics dose of Big Sam's marmite (you either love it or hate it).

A black mark to the hierarchy to add to the disaster that was this summer's transfer window and the shambles of a managerial search.

The recent revival on the pitch does not mask the lack of progress the club has made in establishing itself amongst the top 6 since Moshiri's arrival.

I'd also question his bottle. He goes missing in games and is content to coast. On top of all of that he is a mercenary. I will bet all of my money now that he signs for Spurs.

That, in my opinion is were he has wanted to go since the very beginning of this whole saga. On the brink of signing for Chelsea, travels to London then does a U-turn and comes back up the M6. Obvious that Levy/Pochettino have been onto him saying, "Wait until January, Ross, and we will bid for you then; we will give you a little signing-on bonus as well."

Brace yourselves for a derisory 㾶M bid for him this window. Heard it here first.

He has consistently turned his nose up at signing a new contract, even when Unsy was trying to persuade him, so I would personally be shocked if he stayed.

I feel absolutely no sympathy for him as IMO he has acted like the current crop of spoilt brats by denying the club a decent fee for him while taking wages and medical treatment with every intention of joining a competitor while professing to love Everton.

Unlike some, my only memory of him will be "potential" – great technical ability but cannot impose himself on a game and cannot tackle or head a ball. An oblong peg where only square and round pegs are required.

As such, if Barkley is ambitious in terms of actually wanting to win something or play in the Champions League, or simply in terms of wanting to move to his own 'next level' – as Rooney once did and Stones and Lukaku have done – I suppose he'll be reluctant to stay here.

In fact the only player ripped by folks here more than him was Stones ("Row Z FFS") or maybe Lukaku ("Lazy"). If he does come back and does not perform to very high expectations right away, the slagging will commence again. Who in their right mind wants that?

I love Ross but it's time for him to start fresh with a team where he can continue developing as more or less just another very good player as opposed to here, where he carries so much baggage with supporters. He needs to get out – just like Stones and Lukaku did.

At the end of the day, whenever we have a player in this category, we tend to end up selling them to a top side sooner rather than later. It's almost inevitable. If Barkley doesn't leave this season, he's likely to leave not long after.

If he decides to go on a free in June, I would be disappointed if we gave him game time. I would rather us build a midfield for our own future. I don't want to see Barkley replacing Davies or Baningime if he's buggering off.

With a bit of luck Big Sam, little Sam and Craig have caught Ross's eye. Tottenham are caught up in a stadium that has escalated to nearly three times the costs envisaged. Chelsea are the ones who chased him when they found out about his injury.

EFC need to tell Barclay that if he wants World Cup football Chelsea need to stump up 㿏M if not do not let him train at Finch Farm or any where else whilst they are paying his wages.

Do not let him dictate terms he might not be around when the next World Cup arrives and that's what he wants more than anything.

Brian is saying 𧴜k was offered, do we actually know what was offered? My guess is that it was much less than he was expecting when compared to one or two other of our players. His agent probably told him he's worth more than that and he will get more if he moves.

The club have shot themselves in the foot with their handling of this affair; they either lose Ross for nothing or now have to pay him an inflated contract to stay... great business – you couldn't make it up!

Barkley all along doesn't really want to leave and his agent tells him, "Don't worry, we have Everton over a barrel. I will get you a better deal, no problem."

If he really wanted to leave, he would have signed for Chelsea wouldn't he?

That's my take on it. I could be totally wrong, only time will tell us.

Do you think the supporters of Man Utd, Man City, Chelsea, Arsenal or Spurs will be gentler on him?

I'm in the "Stay Ross" group. He's a terrific talent. But no-one knows how that hamstring is going to react until he's back out there playing.

Why would Chelsea or Spurs sign a guy next month who depends as much on his physical gifts as he does his technical skills? I would think they'd want to see some display of full recovery out on the pitch before making a real offer.

If he's out there for Everton going full-tilt for 70-90 minutes in February or March, he's looking good whatever his next move. Plus good for us. I hope he re-signs and stays. Be great to keep him

If his hammy's not having it, he took a gamble and lost. (Think Baines's terrific left foot after his surgeries. It left and is never coming back.)

So, get better Ross and stay. Even at your age, you'll be a senior player with all these youngsters we have coming thru.

It all revolves around how that leg heals, though. Not interest from Chelsea or Spurs or any other club.

If Ross is not up to it he will be out through loan or leave for a smaller club. In that case, Ross would be just another transfer who did not work out. Although those supporters bring up players who could not make at their clubs (ie, Sigurdsson at Spurs) , they do not slag them the way Ross is and has been slagged here.

For his own well-being, I believe he needs a fresh start and then he can find his level.

If he doesn't re-sign in January – and no-one comes in for him – he should be left to keep himself fit anywhere he likes apart from Finch Farm.

Good luck to the lad. Something must've seriously gone wrong behind the scenes that we're not privy to.

He is taking the piss out of us.

Here goes another Steve McMahon, or David Johnson, or what have you. Sad, but true.

And whether it is the same leg as the 3 leg break when he was 17, and lastly whether it could significantly impact his performance ?

The amount of players seen gripping the back of there hams, and hobbling off – they surely aren't all under the knife to that extent are they??

I'm saying this cos unless the answer is basically yeah, yeah No problems, surely no one is going to pay a penny till he can show he is back to full fitness, and giving it on all cylinders & that ain't gonna happen till after the window shuts, surely, cos it takes a lot longer than 6 weeks from where he is now to get to full match fitness and playing – especially when they can get him on a freebie in summer?

I beg to differ Michael, but there you go. Lukaku has been okay for Man Utd, scored goals, but has still been booed by his own supporters.

But truly, Everton are more important than any player. I have no idea what is going on with Barkley and wouldn't hazard a guess. I believe he is replaceable and it appears that no manager has been able to get the best out of him, and there have been a fair few now; maybe Allardyce is the one, but we'll probably never know.

Lukaku was replaceable, we just didn't!

As much as we despise Gerrard he was a great player who whether through his efforts, actions or sheer bloody mindedness drag his team to great heights... that is the sign of a great player..

By the way, Ross isn't innocent in all of this. If he was such a blue, he would have signed the contract, wouldn't he? Particularly once his nemesis Koeman was sacked?

Ross has had 'HIS' club with our kecks down.

That's what ambitious clubs do. We can redeem the mess by buying responsibly. We are not going down, are we? So let's say for instance we offer Mahrez a great deal and he signs. That would already put us on attractive mode and we could hold on for a striker of better quality in July.

Maybe it's not Mahrez and I am over ambitious? But one or two quality signings on long deals could really put us in a better position to keep it going every window.

Hasn't exactly worked out well for our erstwhile friend Romelu, has it? 3 goals in 16 games and absolutely lambasted by Man Utd fans. You know the ones I mean; the paying customer.

Comments like "Scores against shit teams"; "Lazy cunt"; "Shit first touch" – You get the message.

I said all along a move to a Champions League club [laughs] wouldn't be the dream he made it out to be. And the same will apply to Barkley.

I do get the feeling, though, there's something more to this so-called injury than meets the eye... and we haven't been told the full story. At least we've been informed of Bolasie's injury every step of the way and, though he didn't exactly set the place alight, the lad has endeared himself to the fans with his positive attitude.

Is Chelsea even interested anymore? The back of that boy's leg was opened up wide. And Roman's no forehead-knuckling beggar. If it ain't Barkley, he'll go get some other guy.

Chelsea or any club, Ross has to prove he's back to full-throttle fitness before any club offers him better than Everton has.

Which to me, as a "Stay Ross" supporter, says that Barkley has to prove he's still the goods right here with Everton. And if he is still good, that's good for us too in the second half of this season.

Beyond that, in the end, he stays or leaves. We'll all still be in here talking about the Club.

Spurs have not had the season the media said they would and they face an almighty battle to qualify for the Champions League. I wouldn't be surprised if they lose players again next summer.

That leaves Chelsea who are shaping up for another change of manager and already have players who would be ahead of Ross in the pecking order.

Yes, Lukaku gets booed by Man Utd supporters but Man Utd nor anyone else will have to pay £90 million for Barkley. Nor will Barkley be expected to play such a huge role on any top team that you mentioned. His situation is not analogous with Lukaku at all.

A much better comparison is Sigurdsson at Tottenham and Schneiderlin at Man Utd – two reasonably priced mid-fielders who were expected to be very good players but not top of their class. Supporters complained when it became apparent they were not working out but it never rose to near the level of slagging Ross faced here before his injury.

If Barkley fails at a big six, just like those two, he will be moved on and their supporters will move on as well. My heart wants him to stay and become world class but my head says he should leave.

Whether he packed them all or just a few, he has too much baggage to carry here.

Read those names again, especially the last one, without your 'Holy Trinity' glasses on.

If those three, plus Schneiderlin, Klaassen, Sandro and the so-called Super Kev are even anywhere near the bench in 14 moths, it'll be hat on toast with brown sauce for me.

I absolutely second what you said. I've never rated him.Yes, he has talent, but rarely produces in a game. He has no leadership qualities, and what's glaringly obvious is that he has no footballing brain.

To be a top Premier League player, you need all those attributes, and strength of character to push on through adversities, both personally and professionally.

I wish otherwise, but I just don't think he's got it.

We will just have to disagree, Michael. I may be wrong, you may be right, I am not trying to persuade you or anyone else to agree with me, just expressing an opinion, as you were.

For me, your Sigurdsson at Tottenham and Schneiderlin at Man Utd analogy are just as disanalogous (if it is not a word, it should be) as my Lukaku example, although I was just using that as an example, not a direct comparison. Neither Sigurdsson nor Schneiderlin are British players or English internationals and neither came to the clubs with such big expectations as Barkley would in my opinion, regardless of financial outlay. Barkley would also come with a much bigger media fanfare, I reckon.

Sigurdsson arrived at a Spurs team in a rather different position and with different expectations to the Spurs of these days, I think, and Schneiderlin wouldn't be signed by anyone as a game changer; Barkley would, I reckon.

If Barkley does leave, and he probably will, I hope he isn't given a hard time if he doesn't live up to expectations at whichever club he goes to.

All-in-all, whatever happens, I just hope Everton continue on the up. We have a large English contingent, loads of youth, and quite a few scousers in the squad. I have fallen out of love with football a lot; Everton have kept me interested as it is hard to throw the towel in when you have been following them for so long.

Anyone who thinks we give our players a harder time than one of the big clubs is deluding themselves. We're pussycats compared to the "prawn sandwich" crowd.

When Barkley goes to Chelsea or Spurs, if he performs for them like he did for us last season, they won't chase him out of the place howling abuse. They'll moan until he's dropped and then they won't be that bothered, they'll just forget about him as he sits out his contract on the bench.

Yes I heard same a few months ago ftom a good 'Sauce' (his personal chef).
It is defo a Youth, "nogzy", "gangsta" thang and he's basically fed up to the back teeth with it all.

Club have apparently done a deal with Chelsea. My take is that Spurs will only take him on a free or for buttons. Typical of them.

He prefers Spurs.

Ross, about to take a corner, massive shout from the Park End, "Barkley, you're shite!" What is that about?

Now there are loads of postings urging him to stay. If he'd have looked at this site for 5 minutes last season, he'd probably be head-in-hands depressed. Now he's coveted by top teams, we all want him back.

As for being offered a good contract, £80k a week rising to £100k subject to scoring goals and winning matches is not bad but pales in comparison to the rumours that Schneiderlin is on a flat £180k per week.

Maybe the truth will out as part of an Everton History piece in 70 years time...

I think he brings a lot of it on himself. Can't put yourself in the situations he does in this city.

Still he can go to Lahnden, no tough lads down there to upset him if he puts himself about with the ladies.

For me, this is about football ambitions with a large dose of "get rich quick" thrown in. "Massive Blue"? Not for me he isn't.

Same old nonsense fish wife tales being spouted like these players are close friends of fans. In all likeliness he is off because apart from idiots over criticising him, like his friend Lukaku he has seen right through Moshiri's "join the elite" nonsense and wants to do that quicker than we will buying Swansea's and Sunderland's best players.

Dave Long (#118) has an idea about Barkley's feelings too. When empty heads shout abuse to a player who has to link up with shit midfielders and try to create everything himself; no wonder he is fed up.

We have fans that travel 30 miles and more to watch us at home but still people thinking Barkley has to live in Liverpool to play for Everton. Very odd.

Whether he stays after that is anybody's guess.

Those were the rumours about how much they were being paid or offered, is that not obvious to you? Everton had to meet what he supposedly was being paid at Man Utd. If you know better, then say so.

I hope you're right, mate, but I fear the opposite. I think he'll be gone in this coming window before he's fit enough to make an appearance for the first team. Shame if that's the case like.

I hate to say that but we really missed the boat 20 or 30 years ago, which is a long time, so now it is very very difficult to break into the top four without massive financial backing.

For someone of my age who has supported Everton for nearly 60 years we are still a big club but for anyone under 30 years old they have only known us as a mid-table team and that includes Barkley.

Having said all that, I still believe that we can get back to the top – the new stadium will be a game-changer – but it's going to take more than 5 years which is too late for Barkley.

What is a "nogzy type soldier"?

Man City, Chelsea, Spurs, Arsenal even Liverpool talk about not breaking into the top 4 or 5 but actually winning the league, winning the Champions League, consistently. They talk about buying the same players as we do but can actually sign them.

Is Ross Barkley a player that would help those teams achieve their aims?

Ask Graeme Sharp or Peter Reid what they think of Stevie. Or even better – ask his neighbours.

Going around kicking Everton players didn't mean you had fight, it just meant you were a dirty bastard.

My daughters are both under 24 and they are fully aware how big a club Everton are.

Kendall got rid of Stevie, he was on 𧷤 per week at Everton while Heath and Johnson were on 𨀼 per week. When Stevie asked for a rise he was offered a pittance by Kendall and knocked it back.

Grahame Sharp in a programme page said he didn't have the natural aggression that Stevie had, Andy Gray later learned him how to put himself about.

I don't know what Peter Reid thinks of Stevie and I don't know where he lives to ask his neighbours about him. Maybe you can tell us? Have you had a bit of bother with Stevie away from football?

I have genuine respect for Paul Bracewell but frankly I'd have had McMahon partnering Reidy given the choice.

Kendall didn't do too much wrong first time in charge but one mistake he did make was allowing McMahon to leave.

Our loss was the RS gain – big style

McMahon lived locally, and was just popping to the newsagents. We pestered him for an autograph but had nothing on us. He went back into his car and got the three of us a photograph (each) and signed it in front of us.

He was a lovely fella, even when my mates told him not to give me one as I was an Evertonian! "Well I played for Everton too" he said.

I still have the photo somewhere, but as he was a red I think I stashed it somewhere rather than treasured it, like with my Everton stuff.

Whatever, if there are any grounds to the speculative rumours or not, it is still a stretch to me to believe this is the primary cause of Ross wanting away from Everton and the city. If true, then to a degree Ross has brought it on himself. Life is about choices.

He is a very wealthy young man with the means, if that is his inclination, to party and mix with other like-minded folk in far more secure, exclusive and discreet establishments than a back-alley smoke-hole in down town Liverpool.

Similarly, I have no idea about Ross's domestic arrangements – still lives at home with his parents? Lives alone? Lives with a partner? But surely those close to him – and I include the club here – have his ear and could support and advice on a 'pastoral' level about his social activities outside of football and the need for 'discretion'. Because wherever he plies his trade, he will be known, a name, a target. Moving from Everton for this particular reason will not resolve the problem.

I don't claim any greater insight or insider knowledge on Ross Barkley's situation than any one else. My own reading of what is in the public domain (and much of that is also speculative) is that Ross and his agent, Koeman and the club, tried to out bluff each other and both failed.

And the result is that someone else is about to scoop the pot with nothing more than King high.

It's what these up-and-coming petty gangsters refer to each other as. Nogzy is Norris Green. That's not the only place a petty gangster exists though, I must say. They all give themselves gang logos.

I wouldn't believe for a minute Barkley is off because of street troubles.

As for the main players, nearly all to a man live in Cheshire around Alderley Edge, a couple live Heswall way (in Wirral), a couple live near Formby and Southport.

If Ross has issues related to the city, then he simply buys a mansion off one of the many big name North West players who get sold each season. All of the big name North West players live within a 10 mile distance of Alderley Edge and Wilmslow. Why can't Ross just move there, and he can pop in and see his old mate Romelu (who lives on the same road as Pogba and did so last season but obviously played for us).

He has given Everton good service and was humiliated in public by the previous manager so he owes the club nothing. I for one would be sad to see him leave as I firmly believe that he, Rooney and Sigurdsson are talented enough to play together.

I just wanted to see your take on it. Bullies who mistake fear for respect. Nothing more.

Steve Ferns, he doesn't live with his mother.

His "assailant" holds down a maintenance job and has done long term.
Comes from a good family.

My own post on the matter is clearly sign posted with 'alleged' and how speculative many opinions are on the Ross Barkley situation.

A great deal more is 'not known' than is 'known', is my belief.

Oh! And whoever and for whatever reason his assailant belted Ross as he did (your use of inverted commas rather implies he wasn't an assailant), and no matter if he comes from a good family and holds down a steady job or not, assail him he did. And in a cowardly, blindside manner as well.

Not nice...

Deserved everything he got. Can't talk to a man's partner in the manner he did and expect anything else.

What I was trying to prove was that Stevie McMahon wasn't just a run of the mill player but a very good one.

Steve Ferns – that's what i am saying too. I don't know where he lives – I just know he can move out of Liverpool and still play for Everton.

Also if Ross Barkley was out of order before the punch he could earn lots of respect back by either admitting it or having a quieter night.

I'm a bit lost on this now.... Who deserved what he got? Who spoke to whose partner?

As I said earlier, if Ross wants to stay with us, and I suspect he does, the longer he waits before signing, the better chance he has of getting the most lucrative contract possible.

Off topic, I see that choice of some 'experts' on here – a certain Mr Silva's wheels are starting to come off.

He stays at his mums 4 days a week in Wavertree and 3 days in his house in Formby!

If you where a prof footballer looking to play every week, you would be telling the fans you're bursting to get back, love the club etc.

Our Ross is silent as feck... actually forgot him this season to be honest and have no belief whatsoever he will succeed anywhere else. In fact, I think this will prove to be his worst decision ever. The football world has forgotten our Pirlo!

Yes, the much vaunted Mr Silva doesn't look quite the catch that some on here were admiring a few weeks ago. It's a funny old game...

Ha ha ha. Now I've heard the lot.

If the club sell him, Sam won't be able to pick him. If they don',t he'll pick him if he's fit, committed and playing well.

It's added nothing to the mystery, if there is indeed a mystery. It all seems pretty straight forward to me. He thinks he needs to move away (I've also thought this for the last couple of years) so he's not going to sign a new contract.

Paul A Smith @ 160, it was just an interesting word as I couldn't recollect seeing it used before.

Ray, I thought the same about Silva and I rate him but if you look in between the lines, they have been unlucky, especially yesterday and they were still playing well with 10 men.

I think its fair to say I wouldn't buy any Watford players so, on that theory alone, I personally don't expect amazing things from him at Watford.

If he turns them into a top 10 team 2 years on the run, I would say he has done well? And learnt that little bit more about the Premier League.

Sam Allardyce signed an 18-month contract. What's the point of continuing to suggest yet another change at the end of the current season? There's no way Allardyce will be given the boot then, unless things deteriorate rather badly. I was not much of a fan when speculation started about him being one of the possibilities but, by the Southampton fiasco, I was almost imploring the gods for him to come. Let's give the man a break.

As for Rod Belfitt, say no more.

Okay, so your implication was that Allardyce likely knows the actual 'deeper' reasons etc for Barkley probably still wanting to leave but, if so, he's hardly going to go public with that, anyway – especially if they're personal reasons as seems likely – especially as he did also say that he's hoping Ross will stay.

I suppose we'll all see, soon enough. I'm sure Ross would love a good run out with this team at the minute, though, and if he comes in and he and the team continue to do well – especially if everyone gets behind him! – I'm sure we'll all be happy!!

If he doesn't want to play for the club then feck off and good riddance.

If we lose Barkley, and get Wallcot, that's a bad move.

Barkley's 1st team career with us has, for the past few years, been under managers who most people consider couldn't organise a piss-up in a brewery. We now have a manager who, from the evidence so far, seems very good at organising a team and getting the best out of players.

It would be very interesting to see how Barkley performs in this apparently well-organised set-up. There's only one way to find out. Aside from that, any opinions on how he might perform are pure speculation.

Donating his hamstring to their collection.

Gylfi scored a nice goal against the Swans and appears to be settling in as a left sided player coming in from the wing. Davies Gana and Lennon are rare goalscorers so one looks at Barkley and we all know he has finishing prowess. Sadly what has happened to him over the last six months is anybody's guess apart from his fitness.

I for one would love to have him back in the squad under Allardyce to see what he can still offer especially with Bolasie hopefully coming back soon but if he wants to go and the right offer comes in then they have to cash in on him and move on to get a similar player. Likewise for a few others who are out of favour.

It appears we have seen the best of players like Mirallas, Besic and Niasse and they are no longer up to snuff as far as I am concerned.

Though I have heard a phrase that “It's the hope that kills you” I have and always will want and believe Ross to be that one that delivers. Anyone who “hates” him without even knowing him, has to look at themselves as to why.

God, I hope he signs a new contract and while he has been treated like shit by that confirmed non-man-manager, I don't blame him that he has not signed so far. Look at the clip. We have a diamond

What in the world are you trying to say??? I've read your post five times and still cannot make out what you are trying to say there.

This season the hope was to get near them. They are light-years ahead just now.

Kane is brilliant. Where would Barkley hope to start in that team? Goalie??