Koeman: Barkley must sign new deal or be sold

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Everton manager Ronald Koeman has warned that they will have no choice but to sell Ross Barkley if he continues to stall on a new contract.

The midfielder – recalled to the England squad on Thursday – has been linked with a move to Chelsea after failing to agree a new deal at Goodison Park.

“He needs to sign a new contract or you sell the player,” said Koeman.

“Ross is a boy from Everton and what we need to show to him is the best reasons to stay.

“The player by himself needs to understand it’s not an ultimatum. I spoke to Ross about a new contract. Now it’s up to the board.

“You need to make a decision that the club knows what will happen next year. That’s normal business – not like an ultimatum.”

Koeman also has an issue with Romelu Lukaku, who has cited a lack of ambition from Everton for his refusal to sign a new contract.

“I am not happy about that interview because first, when Everton FC was not a club with a lot of ambition, I wasn’t the manager.

“The club is progressing and talking about a new stadium. That’s enough stuff to understand that Everton is on a good direction.

“I’m not so afraid about his situation because the player has two more years on his contract.

“He’s training how he needs to train. There’s no reason to put him out of the team. The team needs Rom.”