Everton are facing a challenge to persuade Ross Barkley to commit to a new deal following a difficult start to his relationship with Ronald Koeman.
The England midfielder has come in for criticism at various times since the Dutchman arrived at Goodison Park and has looked at times as though he is struggling for confidence; he has also been affected by losing his place in the England squad to Dele Alli.
Koeman has given the impression that he needs to be convinced of Barkley’s qualities and had dropped him for games against Manchester United and Watford before restoring the 23-year-old to his starting line-up against Arsenal on Tuesday.
Barkley produced his most tenacious performance of the campaign and Koeman made a point of flagging his efforts up after the 2-1 victory – he provided the corner for Ashley Williams to power in a late header.
Barkley produced his most tenacious performance of the campaign and Koeman made a point of flagging his efforts up after the 2-1 victory – he provided the corner for Ashley Williams to power in a late header.
He has 18 months remaining on the deal he signed back in the summer of 2014 but talks about renegotiating his terms have, for the time being, been placed on hold. He is in no rush to commit to a long-term deal at this stage
