Ross Barkley wants to leave Everton for a ‘new challenge’, Ronald Koeman has confirmed.
Barkley is now in the final 12 months of his existing Goodison Park contract and has rejected the offer of a long-term renewal with his boyhood club.
Tottenham and Manchester United have emerged as potential suitors for the England international but neither have formalised their interest as yet.
Ahead of Thursday’s Europa League qualifier with Ruzomberok, Koeman confirmed that Barkley is intent on leaving Everton this summer.
He said: “His personal situation is really not so difficult.
“We made a good offer to him to sign a new contract. He declined that contract and he told me that he is looking for a new challenge.
“He’s not Everton’s future any more – it’s his decision, and I need to respect that.
“We will see what happens because what I heard from the board, at the moment, is that there’s not really offers on the table for Ross.
“It’s really clear. I’m looking to other players and that’s my priority – and not Ross, with all the respect, because it’s his decision and everybody knows what the situation is.
“I don’t talk any more about this situation because we will see what happens.”
Barkley is currently sidelined with a groin injury but the Everton manager has not ruled out the prospect of the want-away midfielder rejoining his senior squad.
“He has one more year of contract [his] and we work with respectful people,” added Koeman.
“If he is back after his surgery and the injury, and he’s back for training then he will be part of the first-team sessions.”