Ronald Koeman admits he is not hopeful that Ross Barkley will stay at Everton.
The Blues manager previously warned that the midfielder risks being sold this summer if he failed to pen a new long-term deal with the club by the end of this weekend.
A £50 million valuation has been set on Barkley in anticipation of a bidding war, with Tottenham understood to be a potential suitor for the England international.
With the Wavertree-born player, 23, set to enter the final 12 months of his existing deal, Koeman is less than optimistic that a compromise will be reached.
Asked if he was confident of Barkley staying, the Everton manager replied: “No.
“It’s a long time [that] he’s been thinking about his future but I am not worried because I like to work with players who like to play.
“We will go on and we’re looking for players in that position. If he stays, there will be more competition.”
“I spoke to the player, the board spoke to the player & his agent,” added Koeman.
“We need an answer after the weekend. We will see what the answer will be. I don’t know what will happen if he doesn’t give any answer.”