No room for sentimentality at Barkley's crossroads

It will be interesting to see what happens and, to be honest, I can't decide either way what I actually think will happen. He's just as likely to stay as he is to go, IMO.

I'm of the belief that in continuing with the contract stand-off Ross has cooked his own goose. If it's lead to believe the agent has been hawking his asset around Clubs with not much of a return in the way of potential takers. Koeman will evidently be looking at replacements such as Klaassen and Sigurdsson who will be his own signings rather than a mercurial inheritance in the shape of Barkley.

Even if Barkley does decide to sign, he's undoubtedly tarnished his relationship with the fans due to his perceived lack of commitment and a parting of the ways is probably the best course of action for all concerned.

When Lukaku was being shackled by defenders, when did Barkley take advantage of the extra space? All the sides we played concentrated on marking Lukaku as he was our only danger up front. Lukaku scored 26 goals from half of the chances that were created for Kane and that is a stat.

Mentioning Barkley's supposed assists as being the best by an English player, that is because all the top sides have foreign play makers. The fact is that in all his time at EFC Barkley has never scored double figures in a season in league matches. He never gets in the box for tap-ins or taking advantage of defensive mistakes. Mirallas is just as bad but he is not refusing to sign a contract.

Barkley has peaked IMO and is now not improving while playing for us. Perhaps he will blossom elsewhere.

Instead, we have this impasse with Jamie Redknapp acting like Barkley's agent. Has he tapped him up on Spurs behalf?! Tbh, I am indifferent to whether he stays or goes, providing we get 㿏m+. An unlikely scenario if he's been tapped up by that Spiv, Levy. Spurs will wait until next summer. In that scenario, Barkley should get the Niasse treatment and have to put his kit in a bag in the corner of the U23 dressing room.

The only time I can think of a comparable situation is when McManaman left Liverpool for Real Madrid. I could just about understand that, but if we end up having a scenario where Barkley sits out his contract to join one of our competitors, it would be a kick in the teeth to all Evertonian's IMO.

I hope he pulls his head out of his arse and still signs. He can be a frustrating player but his stats still show an undoubted talent.

If he stays, he knows he has to improve his all around contribution as other players will be pushing him hard, if not already and one or two new signings on the horizon.

He has bags of talent and watching England perform poorly again today would be a shoe in on his best form.

Seems to me he may have a problem with Koeman as his mind seemed miles away in so many games last season.

Hopefully all will be resolved soon.

Fortune favours the brave, Ross; my advice is, if you're not happy, and I'm pretty sure you're not, move on and good luck.

I can think of instances when players have signed new contracts and are then sold. Craig Short is one Everton player that springs to mind. Everyone's a winner and the lad doesn't tarnish his legacy at the club.

He clearly hasn't flourished under Koeman and not many creative players have, so rightly he thinks playing time is limited. And yes, players around him didn't help his cause either.

What is most disappointing is the lads lack of perceived fight for his place through some poor performances. Despite the limiting factors above, if Ross was tough enough mentally he would find a way to let his talent push through.

He has shown little appetite for the competition coming his way and that says it all. He stopped me getting of my seat a year or so ago. Whatever the reason, he looks like he's out the door.

The biggest upside is any fee we get for him. This is pure 'trading player profit' as he is academy born, this will go a nice way to increasing our wage bill under FFP rules. And I have to say such as it is, in part, a reason to why the gun was put to his head in the first place.

With all the media talk this week, he has to some extent been forgotten; Everton appear to be moving on, has Ross missed the small ships?

One of the reason why I think Koeman is a great manager is because he doesn't have any favourite players and treats all the players in the same way. He appears to be willing to support his players by telling them what he expects from them, willing to sit down with them showing examples on videos, working with them on the training ground and them being strong with them if after all that time and support with them the player still in not doing what he wants.

Barkley has in the past been given far too much carrot approach – now it's a shock to him that Koeman is using the stick. Barkley has to grow up and realise that Koeman is wanting him to be successful; it's more frustrating when a player has all the skills that Barkley has but doesn't use them than it is when a player doesn't have any skills the start with.

I think his problem is more a psychological block than a lack of spirit or application. He just seems unable to be what he can be on the pitch, hampered by slow decision-making and a tendency to take the wrong option at times.

I've always said he does best when he allows instinct to take over rather than over-thinking things but it's happening less and less as the pressure to perform grows.

Ross isn't going to sign, nobody's going to come in for him at the price we want, and he's simply going to show up at Finch Farm in the summer ready to play out the final year of his contract.

And what I hope happens then is that he steps up, with a Klaassen or Sigurdsson next to him, and begins to assert the player he can be with the talent he was born with.

It's a lack of mental fortitude, both in his apparent decision not to sign, by implication hes not up for competing for his place.

On the field, you may have a point and my language is a touch ambiguous, hes had so many chances to take control of a game, especially in the run in and he's not had the inclination or the desire to do so.

He does have qualities (albeit they come and go unpredictably and infuriatingly) on the ball, he does influence games, and he is capable of the mercurial, but in my opinion he brings at least as many disadvantages to the team/squad/club as he brings advantages.

Move him on. Let the next group of youngsters in.

Koeman knows he is a good player and presumably would have him in the squad. At 23, he could grow up and mature into the player we all want. Its a dilemma.

If he doesn't sign a new contract, I hope Benitez comes in for him. I think Ross could flourish under his management.

It could also be that Ross is having some personal issues to deal with that are affecting how he deals with the media circus that used to follow him around.

Sentiment or not, I remember the skinhead scouse with attitude who demolished Swansea 3 seasons ago and I miss him.

It could also be that Ross is having some personal issues to deal with that are affecting how he deals with the media circus that used to follow him around. Sentiment or not, I remember the skinhead scouse with attitude who demolished Swansea 3 seasons ago and I miss him.

I personally would rather let him go and – for the good of the player and Everton Football Club – sell him at a price that gets the deal done.

Ross has been a decent player for us but, as people before me have said, he just lacks the mental steel to move up a level.

I will always wish the lad well and now is the time to let him go.

As I see it, Ross is very close to falling into the fannying around category. Both in terms of his play and also his contract.

The players that went on to be revered by the fans had already made it plain that they revered the club. When sold, they would later speak of how they were devastated, some even wept at hearing the news.

It would be pretty simple to list an Everton squad of truly outstanding players, legends, who all worship the club yet not a single one an Evertonian as a kid.

None ever held the club to ransom and became true legends.

"He clearly hasn't flourished under Koeman and not many creative players have, so rightly he thinks playing time is limited."

Probably the first time I've seen that noted on ToffeeWeb. Are all the creative players useless or is Koeman unable to best use them? I have seen very little flair as part of whatever tactical instruction the team have been under. The several high-scoring games at Goodison seemed to occur when the team departed from the dour.

Barkley and the other players being treated alike in public? I must've missed that.

A package deal for Ross and McCarthy would be ideal for clubs in the middle tier. A ready made midfield axis.

The thing is, Ross is going to be seen as not being mentally strong enough and there are going to be fitness doubts around McCarthy. Hamstrings, once they start to play up, can be a constant injury for players.

I won't deny that there is a bitter truth in what you observe, last season we were "pragmatic", "workmanlike" or just bloody uninspiring. Add to that, crap away.

However (and this does feel almost like I'm contradicting myself, almost) wasn't last seasons objective #1 to learn again to defend? I felt certain that it was. In doing so we weren't ever mentioned as "getting dragged into the relegation battle".

Lads, what follows is not directed at you two. May have been inspired/provoked by your words, but not an assault.

Personally, I saw:
Seventh.
Solid at home.
Europa League.
(Three ticks in the priority achievement column).
Failed in League Cup.
Failed in FA Cup.
Failed in derby matches.
Failed in contests against the top six.

Over all? Progress, but plenty of scope for improvement.

Ronald Koeman seems a right dour misery-arse to me. Good! Because our last manager grinned like a Cheshire cat when we just had the bejasus knocked out of us for the umpteenth time. His predecessor was misery personified and had the temerity to seek to persuade us that being crap was what we deserved.

If Ronald discovers his smiling muscles at the moment we lift silverware then that will do just dandy. Then he can go back to skulking until we are Champions again. I want him to bring us success, not a bloody comedy award from the Edinburgh Festival.

If he is going to try and sit his contract out, play him at his own game and use him as back up / a sub and he can kiss any chance of playing in the next World Cup goodbye.

The situation is very much like his performances – in limbo. If he's not going to force the issue then we'll have to. A large part of me thinks this could all be down to David Moyes Jnr, who I think is still his agent, trying to fill his Dad's shoes by playing silly bollocks.

Sorry, Ross, if you've not signed by now, it's goodbye from me.

I'm on holiday so haven't read anything for six days but, after reading this topic, I think back to Man Utd away and think of the golden opportunities both Ross and Rom, spurned, and think that "better footballers" would have carved the Mancs up at least a couple of times that night.

I'm going back to the beach, thinking Lyndon @12 has called it right, and I also think it's time for Ross to leave, especially if he doesn't get on with a manager who has finally got him on the right lines occasionally!

At the end of the season, things looked little changed from the spell before Christmas. I somehow expected a more defined direction, shape and structure to the team, a look of professionalism and consistency, of something being built and steadily improving. A cohesion, team spirit, belief.

This is what I hoped to see result, with the appointment of Koeman. I now fear his style is more a dour and safe route, perhaps not far enough removed from some of Davy's offering. Not convinced with his man management either.

It seems he has access to much better recruitment than Moyes or Martinez, so this season should tell us all we need to know.

I still believe he often had an almost impossible task with mostly just a tightly-marked Lukaku in front and no-one moving forward or passing him. People may say he doesn't run forward with the ball as we have seen in the past – but what were his instructions?

Notwithstanding past inconsistencies of all the flair players (and others) before Koeman's time, it is telling, I believe, that none of Deulofeu, Barkley or Mirallas have delivered or been markedly improved, Gerard of course being quickly discarded. Bolasie, try as he usually did, failed to recreated much of his better form seen at Palace.

I tend to feel we won't see a fast, dynamic, attacking team under this manager. How many times did we see a number of players flood forwards, or into the box? I don't think it's Koeman's way. I'd like to be proved wrong.

Personally I think Koeman will make him a better player, if he stays and, more importantly, if he listens and takes on board any criticism is to improve him.

Ultimately I think he has made the decision to go or he has listened to the wrong people.

From what I've seen of him in the last 3 seasons, my view is that he hasn't improved his decision making, his ability to read a game. He's improved his tackling (and needed to) in the last season but still gives the ball away, runs into blind alleys, and holds on to the ball to long on way too many occasions.

Whether he'll ever improve, who knows but its secondary really. He won't sign and the club have decided (or so they say) that he will be sold. So I suppose it's a wait and see if someone will offer a good price for him.

As for Koeman being a dour unimaginative coach and maybe not a good man-manager, I think we've improved in the last season to be way ahead of what we were the season before. I think we can only become the attractive, fast-flowing football team when we get the players in that are good enough to produce that kind of football.

I'm waiting to see what new players we've brought by the end of this window

Klaassen, Sandro, Pickford, Bolasie, Schneiderlin, Gueye, Davies, Keane? And probably a few more too. A largely young and hungry, fully fit team with a good pre-season.

I will just go with my thought which some have also alluded to which is perhaps he is holding on committing to Everton until he sees what's happening to Romelu Lukaku

If Romelu goes, I think Ross will be more inclined to stay due to us hopefully playing a more rounded game if we buy more midfield type players, and hopefully a forward or two, there will be more competition for places so we need to keep everyone happy. When we are winning the league and 3 cups, players will be happy...

Skillful? So what? I know players who can do 100 keepy-ups in their back garden, but stick them on a pitch and they're lost.

The team only had him as a creative outlet so those assists almost happened by default (ditto for goals with Lukaku).

How did Barkley play in the derbies? How did he play in the Cup games? His stats were appalling in the games that mattered. One bit of magic every 3 games is not enough.

He has more assists than David Silva but stats are only half the story. Silva doesn't dawdle on the ball, doesn't get caught in possession, finds space and knows when to pass. He has a brain. Barkley simply doesn't and it is misleading to use stats to gloss over his fundamental lack of awareness.

He is no kid anymore. Tom Davies, 4 years younger, ran rings around him.

Cash in. Move on.

Odd standard you have there. If this were an "English-only" league then maybe it would make sense. Of course when compared with another English player, Alli, the one who plays ahead of him for the National team, Alli had one less assist but exactly how many more goals?

Alli in 70 appearances has 28 goals and 16 assists. Barkley in 150 appearances has 21 goals and 18 assists. Care to look at the numbers for the non-English players at his position? Ross is nowhere near the top of the list.

Maybe you could narrow the choice of players to English players born north of London with the last name beginning with "B" to ensure Ross is at the top of the list? The willingness of some to try to justify keeping and paying a disappointment of a player amazes me.

While Ross remains capable of providing some fantastic moments, the brutal truth is he cannot be relied upon to deliver 7/10 performances week after week.

Poor decision-making has been a serious flaw in his game since he made his debut in the first team nearly six years ago. There was a period last season around January and February when he appeared to have understood what was required. It was all the more disappointing therefore when his performances tailed off in the final couple of months of the season. It was not the form one might expect of a player seeking a new contract or trying to impress potential suitors.

I think a move this summer to a club with slightly lower expectations will be good for the player. The 㿞m price tag is ridiculous. We will be lucky to receive 㿀m.

Yes, he may decide to run down his contract and the club can't do anything about it if he does. Although a lot can happen in 12 months, so I think, for all concerned, it would be better for Barkley to move on.

Whether it's due to money, Ronald or even perceived lack of ambition, Ross has to let the fans and the club know what's going on. The silence sadly is deafening and with everyday that goes by, Ross is driving a nail into his own Everton coffin.

Remember all the crap about an announcement about Ross a good few weeks ago? Since then nothing. I think it is not about money but about Ross being worried he'll be frozen out next season – and I don't blame him considering how he's been treated by Koeman.

I'm not trying to make out I know more than anyone else but I was at a party in Surrey last week, I had a conversation with a pissed football agent. I tend to believe him when he said that most transfers are about personality clashes and money – it's easy to persuade a footballer to move when they hate the manager (and vice versa).

Granted his decision-making is still suspect but he's still only 23. No guarantee that this part of his game will improve and I guess that's why Koeman is happy enough to let him leave (or so it seems).

Still, I'd like to see him in a team with a few more creative outlets and players showing more movement in the final third. Sadly, that team may turn out to be Spurs.

Our forwards under Martinez held no defensive shape (ie, pressing or covering players likely to receive the ball). This improved a little under Koeman, but not extensively.

I'm hoping that the new additions in the forward line will result in more adventurous attacking, because the new additions will hold a shape and allow it to happen without effecting our defensive shape.

Anybody see him last night? I kid you not, there are reports today saying he needs to work on the defensive side of his game!

Same with Ross, I'm afraid. Take the money and move on. Let some other poor buggers worry about his potential

If he stays here, Koeman will need to organise the team differently, to get more movement. We've been too static in too many games, especially away from home, and that doesn't gel with Barkley's more instinctive game.

In this sense, unless we improve a lot in terms of organisation, Barkley might be better off elsewhere, playing in a better side that has more fluidity.

For such a big lad he can't head a ball nor tackle with any conviction and fails to impose himself in too many games.

I am amazed at his contract standoff because I struggle to imagine he will find a better club or a better deal, so we have to assume he has either personal problems or is being badly advised.

It is very sad but imo he has to be sold now at any reasonable price.

The majority of the time, main role of a number 10 is to be the playmaker, creating chances for the forward player. When Ross gets the ball, it's always head down and steamroll towards the goal, with a long ranged shot normally the outcome. He's too much of a selfish player to be in that position. I don't know if this is intentional due to poor decision making or that's how he sees his game.

Unfortunately, we have other selfish players upfront as well, Lukaku, Mirallas and when he's here Deulofeu. Looking at Lukaku's stats this year, he had a better goal per chance record that Kane. If we had a true playmaker who was feeding him, he probably would have broken the 30-goal mark.

I wonder if coming through the academy under Moyes and the 4-5-1 model that was played, hasn't helped him develop. He probably is suited to the 'Cahill' role, which is a true attacking midfielder. We don't have that role now and we require a more creative player in that position. To give Koeman credit, I think he's tried him in different positions in the season to see if he could adapt, but I don't think he has the defensive skill set to play in more of a central midfield role (which is surprising as he started off as a centre-back in youth football).

In terms of the contract, I think Bill is trying to make a last ditch attempt to get him to stay. I do feel this is slightly against the wishes of Koeman and probably Moshiri as they either want a better player or to recoup some money on an asset.

I'm thinking the press conference that never was at the end of the season was put off by Bill to allow him to pull Ross's heartstrings in getting him to stay. The romance of having a local lad in the team probably blinds Bill to the fact that he's not signing a contract or that he may not be good enough to move us forward.

I've been saying here for years that, based on his game, Ross is actually an out-of-place #9 who would thrive as a second striker – much as Cahill did when he and Fellaini were serving as emergency forwards for several games under Moyes a few years ago.

Ross's strength, skill and ability to react would seem to make him a natural supporting striker. Too bad nobody ever tried him there.

The "mistakes" he makes are usually basic, as in dwelling on the ball and losing possession, pirouetting and not deciding where or who to pass to and then losing possession, making the wrong decision and losing possession or putting a pass astray. That's down to basic skills, not managed or coached ability.

People need to accept the lad has a few weaknesses to his game which unfortunately are not outweighed often enough by his strengths. It's quite simple and straightforward to be honest.

A really nice lad that promised so much.

He is not at the level where anyone would be prepared to offer more so he's run out of road. The likes of West Ham are hardly going to appeal when he will have been told United and Spurs were after him. Good luck trying to get 100k p/w at Spurs. Not even Eriksen gets that!

Knowing Levy he will leave it towards deadline day, make a stupid offer, offer the lad 80k a week and get him on the cheap.

So no, if he chooses to go, good riddance! If he signs a contract, I'll cheer him on!

But you should think Franny could tell him some things about his, erm, ego, being to big for his britches...

We could sign Messi and Koeman would want to turn him into a tackling machine.

It's beyond me that people could watch Everton and then criticise anybody's creativity. The manager strangles it at birth.

You need a bit of ambition to be creative. You need a manager who encourages it, one who does not bollock the living daylights out of anybody who breaks ranks.

It really does defy belief that we have fans who criticise Barkley's creativity whilst supporting Koeman and his pug ugly, don't break ranks, zombie football. How the fuck does that work?

I really hope Ross stays on an improved offer from the board and Koeman flounces out... In fact, I'm smiling just typing it.

Also means we can get deals done now before we flush with cash after selling at least Lukaku, if not Barkley as well. Klasson, Sandro + others new faces can take their place and we move one.

It's also become apparent that this post has brought forth the usual shite from people that if we want a player to work a bit harder then we must want a team of workhorses and nothing else. What absolute bollocks. Did the Everton team of the 80s work hard? Of course they did, were they are workhorse team? Course not. It's just a stupid arguement. The bane of our life in the 80s, Ian Rush was the shites first line of defence. Was he shit and had no talent? Get a grip. Asking a player to put pressure on the opposition when not in possession doesn't make us a team of workhorses, it makes us a team. Stop using such a shit arguement to excuse lazy players.

I think he'll sign citing up-coming transfer arrivals as his motivation.

The communication breakdown that perhaps is fact between agent and club isn't helping.

I reckon the Toon could be possible... I can't see him going anywhere else.

I hope that he reflects on his time so far at EFC, all-in-all, if he wants to, he can do. Over to you, Ross Barkley, but somehow, I sense we need mediation to resolve one way very soon.

Stick or twist, and I think if there's a no-show by Ross Barkley and his agent, the board will sanction his sale.

I think people recognize the underlying truth in your over-the-top characterization of Honest Ron's rather conservative approach but I suspect that they, like me, are still going to give Koeman the benefit of the doubt going into Year 2 of the 3-year 'project'.

Tightening up the defence was essential and the increased discipline required was a big step-up from those lazy hazy "do what you want" days under Martinez. "Team in transition" was something we heard an awful lot last season, and if we have half-a-dozen new first-team players to bed in next season, then it ain't stopping any time soon.

That's where I think Koeman is getting a pass for clamping down on flair — although I think it was a huge and tragic mistake in terms of Barkley's arrested development. It's fine margins though, and just means being a little more adventurous and a little less defensive-minded when we have the ball. I still harbour the hope that we will see that more and more, especially if the defensive solidity provides Koeman with something to build on.

But you still may be right: Dour Davey Mk 2.

Koeman is a good man-manager. I think, when you come up against immaturity and clashing because players have too much power, it makes Koeman look a bad man-manager but I don't see it that way.

He doesn't take any nonsense; he is respected for his previous footballing triumphs and also he goes back in time to when winning managers like Harry Catterick where seen and heard when it meant something.

He is very definite about what he expects and how he expects to get there. If you want success, you have to have method – it doesn't just happen.

Bloody Koeman's ruined our weather since he arrived.

It appears that he may not be 'on the same page' with the manager given the public criticism he received and now the refusal to sign the contract.

On his day he can have flashes of brilliance or have a very sound game. On his day. On others he can be truly disappointing – making the wrong decisions, delaying the obvious to only then do the mundane or the poor, and generally leaving many fans with the feeling that they've been observing an unfulfilled promise.

It would be interesting if he stayed to observe or play alongside someone like Sigurdsson, then perhaps his judgement and execution could improve.

If his hope is for 'a big move', I fear he is in for a disappointment, akin to mine with him.

As for Lukaku – has he also listened too much to his turd of an agent? As the mega move he 'knew' he would get begins to fade away as the only clubs that can afford him begin to buy others or look elsewhere.

An extremely large helping of humble pie might need to be consumed in the Lukaku household over the next few months if things don't happen fairly quickly. And that would be great as I think Rom will continue to improve – and with Gylfi, Davy, Morgan etc, his supply will only get better.

We need to stop being sentimental and get rid if he doesn't want to sign a contract for his boyhood club. We can command a good fee for him (although 㿞 million is ridiculous) and get better players who won't go missing when it matters.

Ross was offered a low deal, not a high one. Koeman apparently wanted to "hang him out to dry".

Lad has nowhere else to go in my opinion this window. What are the stats about his minutes played for England despite being in the squad? Not just Ronald that isn't impressed.

Also, his agent (Moyes Jr) has made him a laughing stock. We'll always have fresh Everton blood coming through, this one hasn't worked. Move on I say.

Good reasoned post Jim but what I can't agree with (and this where I feel a lot of people are off point with Barkley) is that his decision-making may improve playing alongside Sigurdsson.

His decision-making is innate to him, and in his head and his head alone. Doesn't matter who you put with him, unless that player is telling Barkley what to do, and then they wouldn't be Barkleys decisions anyway, if you see what I mean?

I think I've just come to accept the lad's limitations.

Great players work hard AND have talent. If Ross has decided not to sign, then he's decided to pop in a taxi. Yet another example of his poor decision making, what boyhood Blue would want to leave Everton now? We have more happening than in over two decades.

In 20 years time, when we have loads of plusses to look back on, will anyone be talking about the lad who decided to throw it all away rather than man the fuck up? I for one do not think so.

Make no mistake, Sigurdsson is not a 90-minute per game player. I suffered through a few Swansea games last season and they were a team like us under Moyes, working hard and looking to their flair player for some magic to get a point or three. For us it was Arteta; for them it's Sigurdsson.

He strolls all over the pitch, playing where he wants. He doesn't track back, he doesn't play a set position. If he joins us, then he may be free to roam, but he will have to roam in tandem with others (like Mirallas / Barkley do now), and he will have to work a lot harder.

At Spurs, Sigurdsson looked out of his depth. I believe we are now at the level spurs were at then, and so the question is has Sigurdsson improved to be able to step up?

I have watched a lot of the first season of Martinez again on YouTube in recent days. I wondered how that team, with largely the same players, was able to get 72 points, and to be so damn good and yet for the last 3 years we haven't been anywhere near as good. Sure, we are around that level this season, results wise, but not performance wise for me.

I would say that attacking we are not as good now as we were then. Lukaku is better than he was, and he played most of the games. So it comes down to the midfield. I would say that our preferred midfield then was Barry, McCarthy, Barkley, Mirallas and Osman, with Pienaar often being the next to come in.

Osman and Pienaar were not the reason for 72 points, as good as they were, they were past their best that season. Mirallas weighed in with 8 goals and did very well, but he was not the reason for 72 points. Barry and McCarthy were fantastic. I'd say that Barry has got worse because of age and that McCarthy has been ravaged and reduced by injury and perhaps a few here forget just how good he was that year. However, he was largely defensive and did not directly contribute to many goals.

So for me it comes down to Barkley and a combination of the quality of the rest of the team, not withstanding superb contributions from McCarthy and Coleman who was absolutely on fire down the right. Barkley gets an unfair deal because he might have gone on 7 or 8 runs, counting these from where he gets on the ball and comes forward past just one or two, and he may get tackled, he may give the ball away, or he may misplace a pass or shot. Even if one time he got it right and scored or created a change leading to a goal, people came on here and moaned about the "bad decisions" the other times.

What struck me in Martinez's first season was the transitions. This is the time from when we intercept the ball or tackle and win the ball. In that first season we were lightning in transition. McCarthy or Barry would move the ball quickly with very few touches and Barkley would get on the ball and we would have the opposition scurrying on the back foot.

Mourinho has built a whole career on analysing transitions. His philosophy is built around making sure that, when you're in possession you're still thinking about defensive shape, and when you're defending you're thinking about attacking shape. This is why his teams are so hard to break through and so fast when they get the ball.

Seasons 2 and 3 of Martinez saw us struggle in transition. McCarthy never got going after that injury midway through the season and never seemed fully fit or the same player again. This meant that Barkley was not getting the ball quickly enough, that the opposition were able to have more shape by the time Barkley got the ball. The options for him were reduced. There was less to pass to. Also, the opposition knew what to expect from when Barkley had the ball at his feet and how if they got a few close together then he could not charge through them.

His game then seemed to change under Martinez. It was like one or both felt that Barkley needed to adapt his game, and so Barkley became more of a player that Martinez wanted him to be. So instead of get the ball and charge forward, it was get the ball put your foot on it, head up, look around and find the easy pass (sideways always).

This meant that instead of being 1 or 2 seconds from winning the ball to springing an assault on the goal, we were 5 or 6 seconds from winning the ball and often still in our own half and the opposition now back in a disciplined shape, and Martinez's Everton then struggled to play through teams. But when they did, it was usually magic from Barkley.

This season, Koeman has sought to change Barkley yet again. He's now being told a third way to play the game.

For me, every time we see Barkley brilliance we see him acting naturally. Barkley doesn't seem the most intellectually gifted guy; no doubt he has football intellect like Rooney, he can see patterns, angles, play developing and so on. But could it be, that when he gets the ball he is under pressure, he is thinking too much and so dithering too much and overthinking it all, so that moments pass and then he panics and makes mistakes?

I want Ross to stay, I want to see him just go out there and play his natural game. We all know his strengths. His technique is sublime. He has a thunderous shot. He can see passes no other player in the team can. He can charge forward and beat his man for fun, and unlike tricky wingers, he can do this in the middle, in the most congested part of the pitch.

And that for me is the bottom line, Ross Barkley can do things no-one else in this team can do. And those things can result in goals. It is down to the manager to figure out how to make Barkley play to his strengths, and for me, this new exciting team should be built around him.

Lukaku was too static for Barkley and perhaps a new more dynamic forward could interchange position with Barkley, Mirallas and whoever else we sign on the wing to make a more fluid attack that allows an instinctive Barkley to be able to see passes and, create space, and score goals.

Just do what it takes and sign him up.

Too many managers / coaches have doubts about Ross. These are people who know the game and can't figure out how to get the best out of him. Get 㿅m and invest it wisely.

If he spends a season getting blisters with a team like Spurs, maybe he will reflect on how fortunate he's been at EFC.

Perhaps the real stumbling block is between the player and the manager? If it is, I don't think you can fix that.

Please get this on a T-shirt somewhere so I can show it to people when they argue that good players don't have to work. Messi and Ronaldo both sweat blood for their teams, they just happen to be world class as well. Is that any accident?

I can't see Ross wanting to stay any longer and play a style he can't or won't adapt to. Where's he going to go though? I get the feeling he's kind of boxed himself into a corner but who knows maybe a deal has been done behind the scenes.

This season, if Koeman gets the players he wants, we're going to see a much improved pressing game. Like Ross, Lukaku doesn't suit this style so I fully expect a couple of forwards to come in who do. Personally, I think Koeman is happy for Rom to go – that's why there's been no drama. That 㿼m will go a long way to beefing up the squad...

EFC and Ross, as much as I'd want him to change and grow his game, has missed the boat. I'm a big fan of Ross, but time waits for no one. The club has been good so now is the time, no-one can deny this fact. Will Ross Barkley work harder to improve his game and stay at EFC?

Billy Kenny, Wright and loads more times have changed and I'm getting too old . A good player is a good player and stand out is what it was about, it just seems now that the pressure is at an early age and your set up to fail if the potential is not read and developed right.

In some ways I blame Moyes and to be honest more than Brown Shoes as he just raised false hope and false real development. He hasn't kicked on much?

I hope Ross Barkley stays and gets on with the challenges of life but I sense it won't be with EFC, and that for me is a sad story. The notion o of grass roots football is without doubt , dying too. All the old grounds are now housing estates bar a few.

The 1980s are a life-time ago, as is the cost of living, and it is now getting higher. What's Our Name? Everton!

'Koeman stifling creativity at birth' I read... yeah, right, because the Dutch teams Koeman played for and teams he's since managed were all just full of 'work-horses', yeah?

'You earn the right to play your football' Big Ron Atkinson always said... not exactly a hero of mine, Big Ron, note... but he put together some very good, often very creative sides back in the day, too, didn't he?

Too much to ask our players to fight for this 'right to play' is it? Judgement on Ronald Koeman will really come based on the coming, his second, season, but hating just to hate our incumbent manager is a bit OTT to say the least!!

And anyway, what about all the playing time (including weekly license to 'run the show') our revered Rossy got from the manager when he finally pulled his socks up, last season?

Ross Barkley hasn't a clue about anyone on the pitch further away than an arms length unless he is taking the ball under no pressure from the defence with the luxury of being able to turn and pick out wide people. That happens when the oppo drop off so the glorious long raking balls are received by players under pressure. I can do that and I was never a superstar and I'm 64!

No vision. Not even worth keeping him as a cheap squad player. Get rid if anyone is daft enough to pay anything at all.

When not in possession, he's the original Invisible Man, albeit with stiff competition from Lukaku. For an England based team already involved in the Champions League, that's a non-starter, never mind a team like us aspiring to barge into such a position.

I've previously described him as a bit dim and was slaughtered by some for doing so, but doesn't it prove it if he's still staying aloof from what's said to be an income of ٣,000,000 per year from a club he is supposed to worship whilst delivering near enough the square sum of fuck all (see posts from some other Evertonians above for my corroboration, Mi' Lord)?

Can we afford to keep an under-performing, decreasingly sublime thicko and, if so, bar where he was born and raised, why?

I'll give it a go. I'd prefer to keep him if he's going to be part of a team that includes Klaassen, Sandro, Lukaku all as attacking threats and on the pitch at the same time as Barkley. I don't dispute that he has underwhelmed, been slow with his decision-making, and not done enough this past season.

However, I continue to say that part of the blame for that last season was a system that persisted with two defensive midfielders and often Davies, leaving Barkley and Lukaku with all the responsibility of creating chances. They actually did okay considering. But I believe that defenses knew exactly how to neutralize our attack in these cases, especially when away from home.

So I'd be very curious to see how he would do in a team that doesn't rely on him to be the playmaker, but one of the playmakers. If he signs a contract, of course.

Unlike some, I don't see him as any sort of second forward because of his innate timidity and I don't see him as suitable on either side of a five man midfield if we're set up that way.

I do believe Koeman will play Klaassen, Schneiderlin, Idrissa and our Tom or Sigurdsson together in as many Premier League games as possible. Those four with maybe Lukaku and Sandro up front would excite me big-time.

I know there's a lot of speculation re that set-up but, as we're seeing, things are very different this summer from anything that's gone before.

As well as this, players sometimes thrive because they move away from home. Going somewhere else could be good for Ross, and I'd wish him luck, and if we have both Klaassen and Sigurdsson, then I think we'd be fine as well.

I'm not even a scouser and I prefer when we have scousers in the side, but I think Ross needs a move and Everton need a slightly different type of player.

Ideally he'd go to a Champions League club in a decent foreign league, but that seems highly unlikely. I think seeing him on the Spurs bench might break my heart.

The sad fact is its unlikely to be about money, it's more likely to be about the relationship between player and manager. I have no doubt Ross has tried to do what the manager has asked of him, to play with no-one forward of him than the immovable block of wood that is big Rom. If a playmaker has no-one to play with, then any player would suffer, but alas you all know better...

He is not suited to how the manager wants to play; indeed, it's clear the manager has elected to lever him out of the club with false deadlines etc, while he has been the focus of the managers public criticism many times, and many times the same criticism could and should have been levied at other players too, but for some reason was not.

No, with Koeman, it's "my way or the highway". But because Ross has a strong following in the club, on the board probably as well, Koeman hasn't got the wotsits to do a Conte with Costa and be straight with the lad. It's threats and bullshit...

I would love to see Ross in an attacking midfield, but it won't be Everton FC. I want him to stay but I also want him to go, to prove a point. Rather sad that.

The only public information seems to be Ross has been offered a significant new contract but he declines to sign. If that contract is significant then surely the perception has to be that EFC want him to stay.

Koeman has made it clear he wants a decision – is that not the logical thing to do? Koeman may be upfront about it but is that a problem?

Perception is a dangerous thing but again the most obvious thing is that Ross thinks the grass is greener elsewhere. He has had plenty of game time at EFC and has shown many positives but also left the fans undecided (evidence: TW).

So, in my view, I would trust Koeman more than Ross in judgement and my guess is that it is now unlikely to result in Ross staying and it is unfortunate but no more. EFC is far more important than Ross!

I agree totally, mate. I don't rate Barkley neither... never have.

It amused me that you included your age (64) to give perspective, and I do think that to be able to judge a good player it helps if you've seen good players (and good sides, for that matter). My old fella is 78, Evertonian man and boy, and has a major issue with him too.

To quote; "That Barkley ain't worth a blow on a ragman's trumpet."

Who has said his offer was fair and good? Oh yes, it was the manager! It has been rumoured on these pages that Koeman was blocked on the decision to get rid of Ross by the board, aka Kenwright.

As a lone playmaker in a defensive midfield, Ross Barkley has few outlets in front of him, our immovable object in front of him gives him few options.

There is no conspiracy, just a manager who doesn't want a player for whatever reason and a player who probably feels that much of the manager's individual criticism has been unjust and unwarranted and lacks the perspective that there are another 10 players in the team as well.

Personally I think the guy loves Everton... but to look at some of the comments on here I would wish him well elsewhere... many don't know quality when they see it.

A little puzzled by your rather blanket condemnation of posters re Barkley. Some have said it could be money; some have said it could be the relationship with the manager. You decide (based on what?) that it ain't money and all of TW is 'fickle', because you apparently know better than they do?

And a plethora of posters have nailed the problem of lack of movement in front of him, so let's see some fairness there please. But does that stop him from running at and hopefully through defences, like he used to? It does if he never ever tries it. Why would that be? Presumably you know if it's come from the manager or there's some other reason for the sea change in his swagger and adventurousness.

You slam Koeman for how he's handled the lad, repeating this old and dead point about Koeman interfering with contracts, when all he's done is clearly project the club's position regarding the contract offer that of course he as manager would obviously know about. Koeman doesn't have to have been involved directly with the contract negotiations to know that much, so there's no conspiracy their either.

What is your point exactly? That Koeman wants him gone and is forcing him out? Yet Barkley's been offered a contract and it's Barkley who refuses to sign it. In reality, I'm sure it's not clear-cut either way but you coming on strong and condemning posters across the board for what are in the main, perfectly reasonable comments, is completely uncalled for.

So obviously Koeman and Ross may have a different view on 'significant' but, at the end of the day, it is not going to work if Ross is not totally committed.

So back to the view that Everton Football Club is more important than Ross.

I honestly think it's time to worry when the manager never talks about you, but I suppose life's changed, and it doesn't work like that anymore?

Go back up the post and read some of them... when the point is we don't know. And it is all one-sided. People are assuming it's about money, but given the body language between player and manager, I doubted it.

As for the plethora of comment regarding the teams defensive formation in midfield, I did point that out very early in the piece... well very early in the history of the too and fro... But for me, I feel it's the relationship and it's sadly the end of Ross Barkley at Everton.

Some things are not all about the money... but in the end it would be nice to find out why.

I actually agree with you that Koeman probably picked Barkley out for unfair public criticism but Barkley's level of consistency has hardly helped his cause despite the fact that nearly all of us, his being a true blue, would dearly love him to succeed.

For all his sometimes alarming bluntness, I'd rather have Koeman than "best of all possible worlds" Martinez. We won't get anywhere without some realism.

As others have pointed out, provided Ross's contract offer isn't derisory, Koeman clearly isn't trying to drive Ross out.

Where to start? ... Wavy leg tackling, poor goalscoring record, failure to win over a manager, inability to hold down a particular position, piss-poor half-hearted closing down, shots high/wide into the Park & Street Ends, getting endlessly caught in possession, ridiculous set-plays after ridiculous hands-up gestures, lack of pace, slow of thought, and last (but for me the very worst of all) ... passing the ball back two yards, to the man who's just given it to him, contributing nothing except to raise his "pass success" ratio.

Quality? Is it okay if we agree to differ, Christine?

Either the mooted move he is reputed to be waiting for will play it cool until deadline day or no offer will come to pass.

Very much in the rear view mirror.

It is an open secret that Barkley has been offered a contract up to £100 grand a week; his agent is saying No; they want a club record £140 grand per week minimum and then bonuses.

Both Koeman and Walsh do not think that is his worth and it seems Moshiri agrees.

The board have a responsibility to sell any player if they are not committed to the club, have they not?

Ross Barkley may have to sit tight; not many clubs are going to offer Ross much more than what Everton already have.

Kenwright (being the ruthless chairman we all know he is) wants to give Barkley whatever he wishes. Let's not forget that Martinez would still be here if Kenwright had got his way. I'm told Koeman doesn't talk to Kenwright any more – he will only speak with Moshiri or the Russian guy.

It's all about opinions and for me, Ross Barkley is a good player who has talent a lot of other players can only dream about but he is far too inconsistent to be in the "great player" category.

I remember Can grab him round the neck on our turf in the derby a few years back, young Gallaoway running to back him up and sort the German out, tells you a lot about Barkley: when the going gets tough, he goes missing and his running round in circles, bad decision-making, playing the simple pass and the rest has been going on for years now.

By the way, Ross should have had that German prick in amongst the spectators.

Barkley being a scouser and Evertonian, I desperately wanted him to lead our team but have come to the conclusion he's not up to it; nothing to do with the numerous managers, tactics or whatever – great players shine and change games with their ability. No-one on here can tell me that Ross does this for Everton; it's less rather than more with him.

I do not believe the manager is forcing Barkley out, and if he stays, I think he will become a better player, but not the player we all hoped for.

Koeman appeared to be happy for Ross to be offered a much improved contract, so why hasn't he signed it? Could there be a personal problem unconnected with football?

Other than wholly unsubstantiated press rumours regarding interest from Spurs, there is no evidence that Ross will be getting an offer from any of the leading clubs.

I strongly feel that, in a much reinforced squad next season, he should have a a future with us and I certainly don't see Sigurdsson, at 㿔M, 4 years older than Ross, and a relative failure at Spurs, as a suitable replacement.

In short, for all his technical ability, he simply lacks the football intelligence required to be a top drawer playmaker.

Personally I think a good manager could utilise him in a different role with less responsibility. Think how Ferguson used Beckham out on the right with a defined disciplined role up & down the right flank.

Think of Barkley's delivery for Lukaku's header against Leicester, there's a really talented footballer in there who's also one of ours. I want nothing more than to see this lad succeed in a blue shirt & it just needs the right manager to find the best way to use him.

With Barkley, I think his best offer will come from a mid-table team like West Ham or Southampton. Newcastle may have enough cash as a newly promoted team because they had the parachute payments last season.

The stumbling block will be wages for me, not the transfer fee. Everton may look to just move the player on and bids of £25-30m plus, with add-ons over a number of seasons may be enough. Will Ross be happy though with the wages cap at a club like Southampton or Newcastle?

He could see out his contract with us and move as a free agent. No transfer fee means a stronger hand for the player when negotiating a wage.

The other discussion point is how well the negotiations on his contract have been handled by the club and in particular Ronald Koeman. My view remains the same that, given a role in an attacking midfield, his value to the team will be vastly enhanced. However, that is unlikely to happen now and I do wonder if he has been leveraged out.

One thing is certain, his form has been affected as has his confidence but all of the above is academic now as it's hard to see him staying.

Wouldn't it be nice, to get on with the transfers, to keep him just to see if he sort of morphs into what we all want? Or throw the baby out with the bath water?

Forget Koeman. If you were Barkley, would you have enjoyed playing along side Jesus Christ Superstar the second?

Bottom line, get rid of, as Christine says, that lump of dictatorial wood and keep our boy.

It's a chemistry thing.

I still think you are perhaps mis-stating the situation if you believe he is being edged out, and that money is not at least a fairly significant factor. Yes, I agree with your concerns about his relationship with Koeman, which everything points to being 'strained' at the very least... and quite possibly 'toxic'. But he is an Evertonian, we have been told repeatedly, and that should trump any issues he has with Koeman.

Is falling out with the manager justification for demanding 𧵄k a week, when 𧴜k a week is more than reasonable for where he is and what he has done in his career to date? I think the reason there are so many posts above that you dislike is because so many fans dislike the way Barkley and/or his agent appear to have held the club to ransom.

A lot of speculation, I know, and we don't know the half of it. Also, it wouldn't be the first time a popular player has been drive out of Goodison Park (Gary Speed, anyone?) But I just can't see the Barkley camp coming out to "put the record straight" and give us some other more valid reason for rejecting the contract – other than there not being enough money in it.

The problem is what is his best position: playmaker does not appear to be, although I do have sympathy with Christine's argument that there's not enough movement from our attacking players to help him find a good pass. For a midfielder he simply doesn't tackle nearly enough, and that's a major weakness.

If he does stay, which is beginning to look doubtful, try him pushed further forward where he would be more of a threat because he has goals in him. Even though he's been offered a contract, I think Koeman really sees him as a luxury player and, given his way, wants him gone.

I would like him to stay but happy for those terms to be on whatever the club or manager consider best.

In terms of criticism of Koeman, there's loads to be levelled at him whether you agree or not. Darren Hind shouts them out plenty. However, I don't agree with Christine and John Daley's criticism of Koeman's handling of "this affair."

Presumably they've made him what they consider a good offer as Koeman says. Presumably they want him to stay, as Koeman says. Like Koeman says, if he doesn't sign they sell (everybody knows they can't unilaterally so let's say "at least try to") see no problem In that either.

If he leaves good luck to him. The criticism I understand to a point is this public outing of Barkley. However, he's not set the world alight since his breakthrough season under Martinez who blew smoke up his arse for 3 years.

It's also not that bad. I don't remember Koeman going mad at him for being out early hours on a couple of occasions this year, indeed Koeman's response was, I recall, rather reserved, supportive and understanding.

So how good do they have to be before Barkley becomes consistent?

With silence from the player and his representatives over the contract, the fans and possibly the club do not know where he stands. At least with big gob Lukaku, everyone knows that he doesn't want to stay or sign a contract.

I still don't think having more movement in front of him would improve his game. He's not a playmaker, and probably never will be. He has one focus, head down and steamrolls towards the goal to unleash a shot outside the box.

He has the ball-skills, build and body that God may have designed for the perfect midfielder but he's now had five seasons to show it to those who cherish him. Unfortunately, for him more than us, he's really failed to attain the heights expected of him despite the occasional glimpse of sublime talent. Increasingly he looks clueless on the pitch, and that's sad.

None of the three Everton managers he's had have been able to develop him to even consistently good, never mind great, and he's now had three England managers who've collectively not included him in squads, never mind their teams. But maybe all these managers are wrong, or inept, or both.

Maybe some time in his next 150 games, Ross will show enough to be deemed consistently good but, in case he and/or his agent haven't noticed, Koeman signed on for just 114 Premier League games within his own current contract, with a very clear mandate to achieve CL qualification. He's got just 76 left to achieve it and I therefore suspect that anyone playing less than consistently good, at least, will have no part in his future plans.

If you think he's a fabulous, consistent player waiting to happen, misunderstood by a list of managers, hamstrung by poor team mates and tactics, fair enough.

But please don't call me fickle or imply I'm unreasonable. I keep reading the phrase 'excuse factory' on here. The biggest one is the one for Barkley. If he's that good, wouldn't he be producing the goods consistently by now?

Some others who were injured will also be coming back as the new season progresses and it will be very interesting to see who emerges from the pack as regular starters.

We, as long suffering Evertonians, hope that this is finally a turning point and that success is just around the corner.

The club should grab the money for Rom and Ross (if he goes too), then get another striker and central defender before the Europa League starts, if possible.

If he was at another team, and had no connection to Everton, and his asking price was the £30-50m being quoted, how many people on here would be clamoring for us to sign him?

I personally want Barkley gone, as we've indulged him for far too long. But hypothetically let's say some clubs are getting scouting reports back on Barkley – what would they say?

Interesting, because we know what Messrs Moyes, Warnock, Hodgson, Southgate, and Koeman think of him (as well as many of our fellow Blues... see above!). I'm just disappointed that a level of sentimentality is distracting from the harsh reality...

He ain't good enough to move us forward. The evidence is overwhelming. If someone else wants to try with him, I wish them well.

I'd go further – Ross was more exciting to watch than Romelu. It was Ross who you KNEW was capable of anything out of nothing, and often proved it. If he leaves – and I think he definitely will – it will be an Everton tragedy.

We should have made it clear to the lad that we would do anything to keep him at the club. Instead we've made him a derisory offer and he's rightly saying he's not having it. Sigurdsson? Klaassen? Not in the same class as Ross Barkley, and I've no doubt at all that in the next five years Ross will prove it.

What information do you have with regard to the derisory offer? Reports said the offer would have made him the club's highest-paid player ever, do you know different?

But he will almost certainly leave. This whole situation has been badly handled and Ross needs to shoulder some of blame too. He could have easily said "This is what's happening..." but he has yet to open his mouth.

I always admire your very logical and reasoned posts, love the way you are sticking up for and defending Ross Barkley and he may have the future you think he deserves, but I have got to say in this case you are letting your heart rule your head – that is, in my opinion.

By not signing, Barkley has, to be frank, imagined he's special enough to wave two fingers in Moshiri's & Koeman's faces. Go figure what'll happen next...

Anyway, if he stays then hopefully we can finally get him going. I know there's a top player in there. I saw him dominate games when he first came into the team, including a derby where he was just on another level.

If he goes, as looks increasingly likely, then good luck to him. It's his career. It will just be a shame.

I doubt it. If push came to shove if it was just about the money that contract would have been signed ages ago. Because I would sign it just to play my football at a place I love.

For me, it's about being wanted or not, and I will say it without any factual back up, but I suspect our wonderful centre-forward has been winding him up, telling him what he should say or do in response to the criticism. You can see it the way they interact, again any basis for the comment? Nope, just my intuition which is never wrong! Lol.

It was some time if memory serves me right before the said anything or eventually banned the rag, after much public pressure. I remember reading a US piece saying how good it was that EFC didn't respond to it but I did think it odd. Sorry guys it's just the way I see it... warped intuition and all that.

Now, getting back to the actual players ability, on his day he can be brilliant but chicken and egg time, if you ain't happy, you ain't going to be brilliant very often are you?

I suspect he really doesn't want to go but he feels let down and is being wound up...

However, if he is worried about getting into the Everton first XI, he surely must also worry about this if he moves to a Champions League club. So we could see him move to someone like West Ham on £140k a week – I wouldn't blame him if he did, but I don't think he's worth this amount.

I hope he accepts the contract on offer and stays. I would like to see how he looks with better more mobile players around him. But, as I am confident we can and will sign a worthy replacement, I am actually pretty relaxed about this now.

Here's what we actually know:

1. Koeman gave Barkley "exclusive" public treatment unlikely to endear him to a player.
2. Everton have offered Barkley a contract, described by Koeman as "Right for the player".
3. Koeman publicly set an unenforceable deadline for Barkley to sign, the passing of which would lead to him being sold (again, unenforceable).
4. Barkley has not signed the contract.
5. Barkley or his management have made no comment whatsoever.

Those above are facts, the only facts from which a conclusion may be drawn or guessed at. Everything else is speculation.

We've heard allegations of greed. Accusations of "Boyhood club" disloyalty indicating insult to the club and fans. Claims that Barkley is "Holding the club to ransom". All totally unfounded at this stage.

I draw my own personal conclusion from the facts, but that's just my unproven opinion.

I would add that most of them including me want him to be a success at Everton, and if he moves on most would wish him well with the rest of his career.

Koeman stated he needed a decision from Ross so he could plan his recruitment for next season, no hidden agenda – merely a desire to manage Everton's resources correctly.

Ross may value his worth to Everton greater than what Everton do. No issue there; however, we have all been in positions of employment where we desire a greater salary!!! We don't get what we want, we then look for employment elsewhere. Strangely, this is no different.

So EFC should sell Ross to the highest bidder. "Lukaku should be treated the same" I hear you all scream!! Guess what – he is! Rom wants out; EFC have set his transfer value to the club. They have done the same with Ross.

That leaves the fee between the clubs. I hope we show some balls here and insist on the full quoted asking price. What's he gonna do? Sulk for a whole season and train on his own with a World Cup coming up?

I think he'll not have come up against a manager as hard and uncompromising as Koeman before. Just don't cave in over this, Everton – let's start showing we really mean to see the end of the patronising "plucky little Everton" tag.

I feel he has us over a barrel more than we realise; if we get 6 months into the new season and he's still here, we would be lucky to get 㾶-15M for him.

"Will (140), a good proportion of posters haven't bothered talking about what they do or don't know..."

I know, Dave. I said "...many here".

Given he is homegrown, and has a book value of £0 on EFC accounts, any money at all that we make on selling him is profit to EFC. If it's not the money, then was he looking for guaranteed playing time? Do clubs actually agree to such nonsense? I can't see Koeman being party to that, but it would be a pathetic reason not to sign, imho, as long as it's not about money.

What other valid reasons are there? You don't like the manager? Sorry, it's hard to have much sympathy. I wonder if we will ever hear the real story?

Whether that was with a view to bringing an improved offer from Everton (it didn't) or a better offer from another club (nothing reported yet) is unknown.

What is known is that we're at an impasse. Until another club makes an approach, the impasse will probably just continue.

Speaking of the 'other chap', I fell about laughing when I read the report in the Express that Chelsea goalkeeper Curtois is refusing to sign a new contract unless he gets pay parity with Lukaku! FFS, they haven't even signed him and he's causing ructions in their dressing room already. Or does he mean he wants what Lukaku's legal employer, us, is paying him? No, I thought not.

Surely Chelsea have overstepped the mark in terms of tapping up, if even their players are aware of the so-called contractual agreement between Chelsea and Lukaku. Everton should be standing up for themselves and making a complaint about the blatant tapping up of our player.

Back to Ross, and I feel this whole business is destined to backfire on him very badly. If he wants to end up with a West Ham or West Brom or, God forbid a Stoke shirt on his back, and ending up as another Rodwell, he is definitely going the right way about making that happen.

I think both of them will still be with us when the transfer window closes. Why? No-one will pay Rom's asking price and no (top) club seems to be overly excited by Ross.

These two lads have been let down by everyone around them – family, friends, advisors, agents, hangers-on etc. Ross is in a particularly difficult situation as his reputation has plummeted over the last 8 months. If he's not careful, he could end up at Newcastle.

Having said that, Spurs are notorious for paying as little as they can for players and selling way over the odds.

I suppose if Spurs don't actually come in for him, he will decide, 'Oh well, I've got no option, I'll have to sign a new - year 𧴜 grand a week with this lot.' Money is money, after all...

What a disgrace! The contract we've offered him should've been be withdrawn when he refused to sign it.

All paper talk, but I don't see Ross Barkley leaving for more than 㾻/20 Million, especially if only one club really wants him or he has already been sounded out by a certain club that he wants to join.

If this is the case, then we will be lucky to get 㾻 Million for him, especially if it's Daniel Levy's Spurs. Silence really is golden, Ross!

Made a sequel a few years later.

Or he could be getting the advice the likes of Rooney and Jeffers and Ball had in years gone by from their agents. Everyone (nearly all) loves our diamond but nearly everyone too would say, "If you forget that he's a Blue, then why are we bothered?" He's not turned into this Slippy G from the blue side.

Ross, the choice is yours. We're a club going places stay with it or, not.

Lukaku, though... he can fuck right off.

Then, in deciding to join another club with another manager, does he seriously think that his likelihood of becoming a far better player with some cosy cuddly manager will increase or evaporate?

The long list of clubs presently rushing to grab his signature should tell him that the by now dog eared contract at Goodison Park is probably better than he actually deserves.

Has he even considered just what sort of reception he will receive at Goodison Park should he decide to walk out?

He needs to continually put in performances which do full justice to his obvious talent. I'm sad to say that running from the waist up with static feet like some Grandad dancing at a wedding is not impressing me at all.

If he finds Koeman's approach a little difficult, then just see how easy life is without adoring fans and with them as opposition.

Be bloody careful what you wish for, Ross, because having two sets of fans disappointed with you in one ground is a whole new ballgame lad.

That is according to the BBC text this morning, just in case anyone thinks I buy that paper.

Remember the media outrage when Baines was finally chosen over their beloved Cashley? Every game he (Bainsey) played he was pulled apart by the "experts". Maybe Ross believes that moving to a media-loved club he will have a better chance to play for his country.

It's almost an automatic decision that if you're English and play for the likes of Spurs or the RS you get into the England squad. I mean, Steve Perryman, really?

Having said that, the piece of filth making this particular allegation does have something of a history of making up shite and telling lies. Perhaps the most sensible reaction would be to completely rule out this reason as genuine?

Alternatively, I remember when Ozzie was loaned to Derby and he was a huge success, they wanted to sign him, but Moyes quickly decided to keep him.

Bigger salary? From whom?
Better manager – one who loves him more?
Guaranteed start? Well, he's more or less had that here.

Just can't understand the whole situation to be honest.

Maybe it should have been a private affair or maybe he was asked his opinion because of what Ross had just said, but Koeman said instead of blaming the manager then maybe players should do more which would definitely force any manager's hand. Anyone who watched Everton that season knew Barkley was lucky to even get in the squad, so it seems to me that "Roberto's Bollocks" had gone to his head?

Good luck to Barkley if he leaves but, if the kid doesn't change his attitude, then it's obvious he's going to have the same problem with a different manager and will continue to be an enigma. It seems to me that he doesn't carry enough in his heart for Everton, so it's best for all parties that he left.

"What a fucking laugh. Michael brown ahead of Ross Barkley"

"He was played in a hoofball team and on the wing, but looked very handy. Linked up well with our RB Byram."

"Barkley is too talented & creative to fit in with the plodders & journeymen delivering Warnock's #hoofball tactics #LUFC"

"His was coz Ross wanted to pass the ball.Never was gonna work out lol."

"Months later, Warnock's unemployed and Barkley is a full International starting in the Prem every week!"

"Leeds United loanee Ross Barkley is to return to Everton because Neil Warnock says he cannot guarantee the midfielder games WTF!!

"What is going on? Warnock picking Brown and Varney over Diouf and Barkley - NW wants the sack!"

"What a joke, best player at the club and can't guarantee him a game, time to go Neil! "

These are just a few of the Tweets and comments made AT THE TIME by Leeds supporters. Doesn't seem to agree with your ill-informed comments that he was so awful he couldn't get a game. Leeds fans would have loved to have kept Barkley but hoofball Warnock, as big a gobshite as I've ever seen, doesn't do quality football.

Warnock might not be everyone's cup of tea, but he's just one of a growing list of manager's who have managed Ross and just doesn't seem to rate him. Let's see if his next manager values him after a few months.

Personally, I think Barkley will sign for the blues and we'll be having this conversation for the next 5 years!

Barkley did at Leeds what he does all the time... the odd bit of skill and some nice touches that make players like him stand out and then fade away because the very basic stuff is left in he dressing room and is why the headline in this article is correct.

I have commented on Warnock sending him back to Goodison, and for me that tells you everything about Barkley, never mind Warnock!

Leeds fans, and my mate is a season ticket holder, rated Barkley who was what, 18 or 19 at the time? It could also be argued that he has never had a manager who could get the best out of him.

There is too much emphasis on "tackling back" and defensive duties these days. On a thread about Young the other week, it was argued that he, one of the best players ever to wear the Blue shirt, wouldn't get in some sides these days because he wouldn't spend half of his game tracking back. Young would NEVER have got in a Warnock side. But Brett Angell would.

Alex Young was a genius, so that's an unfair comparison.

OK, I used Young, the incomparable Young, just to illustrate how some players do track back, others don't have it in their game.

I would love Barkley to prove all his doubters wrong, and in a Blue shirt, too. We are too ready to shoot down our own at Everton, in my opinion.

If Ross leaves us and does the business at another club, week-in & week-out, then I and many more will have to hold our hands up to those who will say "I told you so"... But of course I believe it will be the the other way round – time will tell who got it right and who got it wrong.

I think you have got it about right.

I was once told by a wise old sage, that when you supervise (manage) a team of people, you will have shirkers, triers and coasters.

Shirkers, get rid of at earliest opportunity.

Triers, if they are giving you their all, you can't get any more out of them. Task them accordingly and they will produce the goods. Solid, reliable, but limited.

Coasters, are the ones that need a kick up the backside, capable of producing over and above, but only when it suits them.

I think Koeman thought he had a 'coaster' in Ross, but now realises he has a 'trier' and won't get any more out of him. Such a shame that Ross probably cannot raise his game to what Koeman thought he saw in Him.

It's a lose-lose situation regrettably. No queues of suitors banging on the door and, squad player status if he stays.

Unless Alli gets injured, I can't see Ross getting back in the England World Cup squad, whether he stays or goes.

We ALL love his finer points, he is without a shred of doubt one of the best when he is switched on.

When.

Then he has countless performances which are so forgettable that we can't recall them.

Talent = Yes !!!!!
Application = 20%?
Leadership = Nil
Determination = 5%

That worldy against Man City, in a game which we lost sums Ross up for me.

That overhead by Tim against Chelsea sums up Cahill for me.

Tim Cahill was still on the pitch to score when Ross would already have been in the bloody bath.

He needs to dig out some footage of the following:

Dean
Lawton
Hickson
Ball
Harvey
Kendall
Labone
Reid
Steven
Sharp
Stuart
Cahill

Plus:

Richardson

Harper

The last two were lads with a fraction of his talent, both winners.

Bloody hell, lad – wake up!

I have said several times on ToffeeWeb he would be an exciting centre forward with his incredible close control and shooting skills. I recall an interview some while ago when he said that would be his preferred position? Worth giving it a try?

If Man Utd and Spurs are losing interest, it would be a travesty to see him playing for Stoke or Swansea etc. (No disrespect intended to 2 good clubs.)

It would not surprise me to see the overall incoming new blood (Pickford, Klaassen, Keane, Sandro, Siggurdson, et al, as well as Ross on the books next season, Rom as well – now that would be some seriously good squad...

COYB

I agree. Of course it's a whole different thing in other aspects but I could imagine it.

Imagine him with more movement ahead of him, with more than one option. He is a special talent and, if he signs, it will, for me, be the best news of the summer.

There's the other story that Spurs won't even pay 㿅m and will wait until next summer or make a low offer on deadline. If Barkley does end up leaving I hope he signs for any other club other than Spurs and that Spiv, Levy.

If it's also true that Geri will turn down any Barça return, could there be any way back for him under Koeman?! I hope so, I quite like the idea of Deulofeu in a front 3 with Sandro and Dembele.

Exciting and interesting times for the blues!

I'll know I'm wrong if by next summer we're beating off enquiries from Barca, Real and the rest.

He's way too old to still be sheltered as "promising". He needs to immediately deliver to great effect. He needs to show devil, decisiveness, bravery and consistency. Does he know what those words even mean though?

All those named by Alexander did, that's for sure.

After reading this article, I am gladly relieved, to see that others share my view that Ross's ego far outweighs his ability. Some days he looks the part; then, for the next six or seven games reverts to sub-mediocrity.

I agree wholeheartedly too, that his "potential" expectation, has far outlived being able to be realised. He basically, can't read the game, and doesn't consider his team-mates all too often, beating about six opposition players, while going forward looks great, until he back-heels it back to the opposition!

I wouldn't lose any sleep if he left, just hope the situation gets sorted soon, so we can move on.

Ross's ego? I can't deny nor substantiate. My instinct is that, since he is pretty silent then he isn't the "Billy Big Ballotelli" type.

Frankly, I'm far more concerned that given his brilliant natural talent, he's wasting precious time. Yet, he isn't ripping up trees is he ?

Awkward issue, however, Tom Davies has torn up a few with his joy for wearing the Royal Blue Jersey. Yep, he's been outfoxed by older opposition. He's 18, EIGHTEEN – and looks like he wants the job.

Barkley is six years older. Six! Davies is showing an upwards learning curve that fills my heart with joy.

Difficult comparison, admitted (Ross had that dreadful leg break at or around Tom's age). So, when will the penny drop with Ross? "Nearly lost it all, nothing will stop me now!"
Or: "Millions a year, why pull me tripes out?"

Maybe it has.

I still hope he stays, heh.

He is English, 3 years younger and capable of turning a game on it's head.
The only thing he lacks is consistency over the entire season, but how many people can you honestly say that about?

He carries an enormous weight of expectation on his shoulders – being the uber-talented local lad. He could have 6 great games in a row, then 1 bad one and the fans are on his case.

Perhaps, for his own benefit, he needs to get out of the goldfish bowl of Merseyside to truly flourish, but I am hopeful that, with a deeper squad and less expectation on him as an individual, he can play a big part over the next 4 or 5 years as we transition into a Champions League team with an awesome new stadium.

Sign the contract, Ross.

I have no doubt there have been inquiries made for both and maybe the asking fee is way too high for both from the clubs inquiring.

One thing for sure: if Ross stays, he will have to play more consistently to get a starting role as the midfield competition becomes fiercer.

You're right. At the moment, selling Ross Barkley to the highest bidder would be frightfully tricky because not even the auctioneer shows any signs of turning up.

You win today's vintage copy of "The Beano" for deploying the phrase "Wizard Wheeze", you can collect it from Mr Cholmondely-Warner, you cheeky scamp!

Alternatively, and preferably, please tout yourself around other clubs where, your em, talents, would be better appreciated.

P.S. McGeady did well at PNE.

I think a move would be in the best interests of both parties.

I suppose it's about expectations with Barkley. We expect something he's not and Barkley expects to be a regular starter.

IMO he's still good enough to be at the club. He should continue to improve (how much is another question), and with better players around him the pressure is alleviated somewhat.

I personally hopes he signs a new contract.

There is a slight chance by now that some of us at TW have understood that you totally hate Rooney's guts (even if you were not one of those heckling him enough to kiss that Man Utd badge just to give you the fingers...). I doubt it, though, as you are really subtle about it... Why not just come clean and tell us about it???

And what fast-food franchise would you choose to work for, if one paid double the money, or even more? (Elite footballers have no concept of the real value of money, after all.)

I still wish Rooney would have given us one more year (even two) before he moved on, enough to draw some better players in. I still think that piece of shit Stretford orchestrated it all to get a nice pay-day!

And I think Rooney coming back is very good for the club's development. We all tend to forget Koeman said it was a 3(!)-year project, when he came in.

If he was prepared to eat some humble pie, he could still feature in the team, which I suggest should be in a settled position on the right wing that would allow him to look up and pick out a pass towards our new strike force. Too often he runs with his head down then takes a chance on where the ball goes. He could play more of a Beckham role but he would need to work twice as hard up/down the wing.

While I'm at it, as LFC and others have worked out, you can cut out Lukaku when he has his back to goal (most of the time) by having a defender behind him and a midfielder right in front of him. His control is poor so you either cut out the pass to him or get in quick and don't let him control it.

Another guy probably on his way out, Robles, is weaker on his left hand side than right so that's the best side to beat him. Any decent scout would pick these up.

Finally, I wish any players leaving a successful career except when they play EFC.

The only caveat I'd accept is that IF the new contract is less than the previous one he has a right to stall. Otherwise he's just another egotistical, self-deluded, typically grasping "pro", end of.

The first thing Rooney could tell him is that his sale when he was just 18 saved our/his/Ross's club from financial melt-down, and he still got/gets pelters, so woe-betide any near-24-year-old player who feigns to be a fan but never got close in four seasons to delivering what Wayne consistently did before he could even vote, but still costs a fortune in wages and will deprive our/his/Ross's club of the maximum return from his sale by selfishly hanging on in the expectation that someone somewhere might offer him a few grand a week more than he's currently offered, millionaire as he already is.

Allegedly, the Swans see it as a straight swap whilst Everton are looking for a cash sum on top. Just a battle of wills away from a done deal, apparently!

You pays your money and you take your choice I guess.

From a Spurs insider, Spurs were given permission to talk to him and personal terms have been agreed.

The haggling now starts over the fee with Everton demanding £25m and Spurs typically low-balling at £17m.

㿏m minimum in my book. English, 23 years old, plenty of England caps. 㿅m is a fucking disgrace!

One thing we are going to find out soon enough though, is if Ross Barkley is really good enough? 50/50 for me, with a feeling that he's maybe got to leave Everton to finally try and fulfill his true potential.

The problem we have with Barkley is there don't appear to be any other serious bidders and the club and the player appear to want to go their separate ways. Hence low numbers.

He's basically going to go from being a squad player at Everton to being a squad player at Spurs. If they offered 㿊m, I'd happily take it and put it towards a quality striker. 㿅m seems a bit shy but what has Ross really done over the past few years?

Disappointing at that fee and to lose him.

I don't want to argue but taxi drivers have nothing on the Shoe Shine boy.

Considering he is the last year of his contract, if he moves for around 㿀 million, we will have done well in my opinion. I hope it gets sorted one way or another soon.

But the previous one has come back to haunt them: "And Spurs face having to pay midfielder Moussa Sissoko to leave the club having spent 㿊m on the 27-year-old last summer.(Daily Mail)"

There were conflicting stories about what we were offering him. But while it wasn't what was on offer to Lukaku it was still in excess of 𧴜k a week. If we offered 𧵎k a week and made him our top earner, I think he would have signed by now.

As for Spurs... Yes, they have form for trying to do us over in the transfer market. This business with Barkley has echoes of Pienaar who was another one who left because we wouldn't pay him as much as Arteta. And who can forget old Harry using us as his scouting network to come in and buy Kyle's, Walker & Naughton as soon as we wanted them. I really don't like Daniel Levy.

The reality for us is that he's long since waved bye-bye to protection from criticism as if he was still a merely "promising" player. He's nearly 24, for Christ's sake, and neither his stats nor performances over years indicate a special player, unfortunately for us and him.

The reality for him will arrive immediately he signs for anyone else, and especially Pochettino. Doing not very much with the ball in a whole season, and doing fuck all when not in possession will have one of two effects when he leaves us in pursuit of whatever he's advised by others is in his allegedly best interests. The first, which I expect, is that he'll get piles on a bench, if he's lucky. The second is that he'll flower into a midfield provider of the Charlie Adam calibre.

Charlie, if Ross hasn't noticed, is still side-lined by his manager. He also has sublime passing skills and a rocket shot but he's happy, as a millionaire, to basically be taking the piss out of his club whilst he gets fat.

And our Ross is different is he? A true-blue and all that? Despite failing to even slightly improve from "promising" under three club managers and three international ones? And stalling whilst already a millionaire on a contract from the club he's always allegedly supported, to his advantage but absolutely not theirs/ours?

Give me a break. He's shown himself to be a total prat, with as much support for Everton as Klopp has.

"Everton – my arse" is an epitaph he's well and truly earned. It'd already fit on his own arse. In a year or two it'll fit on one buttock.

Good riddance.

The transfer price is lowish because we have to sell... because he only has one year on his contract. Selling is our best option, otherwise we have to pay his wages for a year and then sell him for nothing and in the meantime he's blocking the development of the side and a source of discontent in the dressing room.

Sigurdsson has 3 years on his contract so Swansea can keep him for two full seasons without having to worry about him leaving for nothing. You see, despite the hyperbole, contracts do mean something and do affect things.

I am not bothered by his departure to be honest. I would be more bothered if he had fulfilled his potential – but then if he was a better player we would pay him the £150k a week and have tried harder to keep him. This is not at all like the Rooney or Lescott departures; this is something that just doesn't bother the club at all – he's just another player.

The fact is that he is at an age now where he should be running games and dragging the team along with him, no matter who the manager is.

Comparisons with Stevie Twat from the RS at a similar age are fair as that is the level he should be at now. But he's not. Absolutely nowhere near, something in his psych is missing and I don't believe that can be coached into him as it's just who he is.

One thing is guaranteed though, watch the love-in he'll get if he does go to Spurs from the media.

I hope he signs for the club that will over pay him for his brilliant output of 4 goals and a few assists. He has actually turned out to be a marginal top-shelf player.

Link

So basically, anyone who isn't at that level is no good to us? That would be about 90% of all the players we've ever had in my over 40 years of watching Everton.

Ross Barkley is not Steven Gerrard, as Steven Gerrard was never Lionel Messi.

We could apply this to anyone in the team. Williams is no John Terry, Mirallas is no Eden Hazard... and they've had more time at the top level than Barkley to "Improve".

As to some of the insults and accusations levelled - other than psychics and those with friends in the MI5 bugging team, can the rest please wait until Barkley is actually confirmed saying something before posting such as "...he's taking the piss" and other unfounded garbage.

Perhaps the whole root of this is that he's completely pissed off with the public treatment from Koeman, being the only player that got that. Of course I'm guessing and have no concrete evidence, but spot the difference?

A massive frame, but seldom uses it. Only seems to do one side of the game, and isn't prolific enough to play in the Number 10 role for me. Appears a million miles from dominating a top 6 game, but wants the money of a player that does.

Baffling, he'll end up at West Ham or Newcastle at this rate. If he's got any sense he will cut his demands and fall into the Spurs set up. If he can displace Eriksen, Alli etc he might one day be worth that money, or he can sit in the bench with Sissoko as Rodwell Mk II.

On the flip side though, Ross is where he is because despite being given chance after chance by international and club managers, he has proven himself to be a decent top flight footballer but no superstar. If he has turned down 𧴜k with us that's fine if for footballing reasons but, if it's true that he wants 𧵎k from Spurs, then I really fear for him and suspect a lot of this is driven by how he's been advised by his agent. If he gets that (purely speculatively), then the pressure Koeman has put him under will seem like a back street massage.

Good luck to him, though; we all have our decisions to make and his almost certainly looks like it's away from Goodison Park now. Sad, but no-one can say we didn't do what we could for him.

They have similar pure 'base' footballing abilities. And being local means of course they will also get compared.

But at 23/24 Gerard was running games, dragging his team through tough periods, having teams built around him and leading from the front. Barkley has very rarely done any of that but he should be for a player of his talent, as in my eyes he has similar talent to Gerard.

That's where I was coming from but have also seen the comparison elsewhere, which I obviously agree with.

Other than that, I personally haven't insulted the lad (but I guess that part wasn't aimed at me anyway).

If he can get a team to pay him £150k a week, well fair play and good luck to him and no hard feelings. We know he wont get that money with us as he's just not good enough to warrant it. Other teams may find out the hard way.

Ultimately, I think someone (cough - FA, Premier League) needs to take a good hard look at the role agents are playing in the modern game. The wages being paid currently are absolutely ludicrous for players who for the most part don't deliver especially well what they are supposed to do. 𧵎K to not tackle back, to run up blind alleys and to relentlessly pick the wrong passing option? Do me a favour.

I'm done with Barkley, he's not a fraction of the player he and his agent think he is; let's take the 㿅-30M we're being offered and move on.

If it was me and it was possible (which it probably isn't), I would loan him out to another lower Premier League team. See how he gets on in developing in a place where he is not the local lad and where the history of huge expectations from fans is not there. Then we could see from a distance how good he is. Newcastle spring to mind.

His reasons for leaving are still not clear, I suspect he just can't handle the huge expectations, that have been heaped on him at Everton; mentally he hasn't been able to cope. At Spurs he will become anonymous, maybe that's what he's after.

Ross, you're a good kid but you ain't never going to get a bumper deal like that. Be careful what you wish for or you could end up at Sunderland, West Ham Utd, or, god forbid, Newcastle.

Talking of intelligent footballers, an oxymoron I know, I see Big Rom has decided he's become an even better player after 10 days of being a Man Utd player. Jose walks on water?

Just now it looks like he won't achieve the level that we all desperately hoped for from him but that isn't his fault. He doesn't deserve the negative comments that have been aimed at him.

I also can't see Spurs offering him more money than Kane, Loris,or Dele Alli. If he really wants the move to Spurs, he had better have a word in his agents ear and tell him to lower his demands.

I suspect someone has been in his ear – possibly a former player? Regardless he has got himself in a right pickle.

Where will he end up is anyone's guess. What a shemozzle.

Be interesting to see if you end up displacing Eriksen, Alli or Dier or if it's more likely you'll be a new headstone on Spurs midfield graveyard... along with:

> Sissoko
> Townsend
> Lennon
> Paulinho
> Pienaar
> Siggurdson
> Capoue
> Stambouli
> Livermore
> Sandro
> Caroll
> Huddlestone

(nb: My point above is not that Spurs ended these careers, but more that they were moved on after one or two seasons.)

I am a fan of Ross and it hurts to admit it, but sadly he will never be anywhere near the player Gerrard was. I feel bad for him as he couldn't carry the weight of expectations and it just makes him a nervous wreck. He over-thinks everything because he's petrified of making a mistake and hearing the groans.

I don't think he'll do an awful lot better at Spurs as he will be benched as quickly as Sigurdsson if he doesn't excel there. They are playing for high stakes and he doesn't deal with pressure well enough.

If he goes, I hope he proves me wrong as the kid has bundles of ability. Nerves, anxiety and weight of expectation have inhibited him for too long. He has to move on.

I think he'll do okay at Spurs in a team with considerably more movement than we had last season and less onus on him to be the sole creator. Last season his only option was often Coleman's marauding runs, a limited Mirallas or a static Lukaku. When Coleman got crocked, the options were even less appealing.

I can see him ousting Son and playing in a three behind Kane with Eriksen and Alli. I'm not sure he will ever reach the top heights but I think we might well regret letting him go in a few seasons time (probably when he scores the inevitable goal against us).

Link

That's hilarious.

I think the core point about Spurs regularly 'turning over' midfielders is a fair one though, although obviously they aren't the same sort of talent graveyard as say Man City.

I just don't think he now fits into what most managers want from a Premier League attacking midfielder. They have to defend from the front as well as making things happen going forward. Watching Ross from the stands, it looks like he loses concentration after half-an-hour or so, and can easily just drift through the last of hour of games offering very little.

I definitely think he frustrates Koeman, and a parting of the ways is inevitable. Who cares about what he wants from any new contract? That's his business and good luck to the boy.

Martinez once compared him to Ballack, which was utterly wide of the mark considering the latter's attitude to winning, but I saw the comparison and hoped it would come true. That was years ago.

As a curious side-note, like a few others on TW, I truly hoped the emergence of Tom Davies (a player I will happily hype up this very second to be the academy graduate most deserving of a comparison with their Gerrard) would liberate Ross from whatever pressure was befuddling his brain and allow him to just get on with being the great player he can be. Sadly it just didn't seem to make a difference.

If and when he goes, I won't mourn the loss because the team is always the sum of all its parts. We have other players with talent that we can celebrate so he can go with no hard feelings.

"The fact he is capable of doing things with the ball other players can only dream about" – isn't that ridiculous statement the reason why Ross is looking for a move?

Only Messi and Ronaldo possess that kind of ability; expecting Barkley to produce it is laughable.

This would tend to support last nights report, allegedly by someone with Spurs connections, that terms with Ross are agreed and it's down to the clubs haggling over the price now.

Shame to see him go. I really thought that he was going to be "the cat's whiskers". A very talented player let down by poor decision making.

What makes it worse is that he is an out-and-out Evertonian and we are on the cusp of something very special that he could be a part of after years in the wilderness.

I have to say I totally agree with you. Maybe its as some have stated that there's a money grabbing leech of an agent in his ear, but he's worth nowhere near the evaluations and wage demands that are floating around (albeit possibly just journalism nonsense... and the fact pricing structures have just went insane). Either way his stats fall way, way, way below justifying the figures he's been associates with. At 24, he should be grabbing games by the nads, not running about on legs made of lead.

Don't get me wrong: for a long time I really hoped he would fulfill his potential..now that I've taken off the blue tinted glasses, I've come to the conclusion he actually has. It might be painful to swallow but its got to the stage for me that's exactly how it was prior to us selling Stones... simply he's overrated. If he wasn't young-ish and English there would be far less talk about him (that pressure might partially be the problem)..bottom line is he just doesn't cut it.

Obviously there's no getting away from the fact the lad has strength and skill, but that doesn't make you a top class PL footballer. Its not unlike those boyos that can do 49,490 tips while doing cartwheels... amazingly skillful with a ball but without an in-depth awareness of space, tactics, formations and astute reading of the game those skills don't count for shite on a pitch in a competitive game. And it's that tactical footballing brain that he lacks in order for him to be the player we all wanted him to blossom into.

If £100k a week to pull on the blue jersey isn't good enough... see ye later, horse. I'm sure virtually every fan would jump at 1% of that to have the honour!

I'd be happy to take the 㿀-25M you're really worth, wish you luck and gladly look forward to a bloody exciting season! :)

I also don't see why Pochettino's pressing approach is significantly different to Koeman's and why Barkley should expect his role to be any different there.

All told, it just feels like an agents pay-day – a clever one who has managed to get in his head.

Speculation of course.

Barkley is English with Nigerian heritage. Not that any of this matters like. He will be off soon and we can continue our spending spree!

㿅m is a piss-take though. Just typical Levy trying to drag things out and pull another club's pants down.

Regardless of his capabilities, potential, whatever, we will lose out money-wise in these days of ridiculous fees. We've cocked up in the past and seems we still haven't learned.

Maybe his role wouldn't be any different, but presuming his eyes work in the usual way (ie: for seeing stuff) maybe he can see that the Spurs attack has a certain mobility to it that we've possibly lacked?

And having seen that, maybe he's figured that, in exactly the same central-forward midfield position with Tottenham, he'll have much more movement to aim passes at, rather than having just Lukaku, who on many occasions (from an intelligent movement perspective) just came across like a rather sullen, impatient bollard.

Going forward, he always looks menacing but so often fails to deliver – much like my criticism of Raheem Sterling who still gets in the England team for some reason.

Ross however is a little one paced and does not do much when tracking back. Shipping Ross out seems the right thing to do as he probably won't get any better.

People seem to be flipping from him being a money grabber to a cry arse who doesn't want to fight for his place who has brought this on himself. Without inside knowledge, I don't see how anyone can assert either as fact.

My other issue is with the fact that Mr Koeman is immune from any real blame for the current situation. Let's not forget the manager has previous for falling out with players.

It seems easy to me to say Ross is soft and needs to get a thicker skin. The lad is obviously sensitive t– he manager should be aware of that and adjust his approach to him. I manage staff in my job and I deal with each individual differently. There can't be a "one size fits all" approach.

On Ross I'm going to put another theory out there. Maybe he doesn't like his manager. Maybe, rightly or wrongly he feels he has been treated unfairly and is unhappy. If he is unhappy going to work everyday then why wouldn't he leave? What is the point in the money if he's unhappy? Life is too short for anyone.

The lad has kept quiet and got on with things as far as I can tell. So why all the anger? The people who think he's rubbish appear to be angry at him going. Why? Isn't that what you want?

As I said in countless match reports, he has all the tools in his locker, he's just not smart enough to know when to use them.

Maybe he'll excel at Spurs with a pacy forward line, although I do struggle to see where he's going to fit in with Alli, Eriksen and Son already providing creative (and successful) foils for Kane and about 17 other midfielders vying for positions also.

I think from the Spurs view this is (as with Pienaar) as much about notionally weakening us as a challenger as it is about strengthening them.

Yes, everyone knows that he has a Nigerian Grandfather. If they didn't before, they certainly did after Kelvin McKenzie compared Ross to a gorilla.

Still doesn't make him an English born Nigerian. And it's amusing that the Nigerian website has tried to claim that he is.

Sky Sports now reporting that he isn't asking to be highest earner at Spurs and hasn't asked for 𧵎,000 a week.

I hope this doesn't drag on. It's no good for Ross and it's no good for us.

I have just caught up on interviews with our new recruits, all of whom stress the good feeling for the future. Rooney was positively beaming at the prospect if playing for his boyhood club.

So I question just how much of an Evertonian is Barkley? How does he feel when training at Finch Farm with all this new talent? Wouldn't staying to be part of all this be better than going to Spurs, where he will have severe competition in his role?

I have a feeling that those who see a parallel with Rodwell may well be proved correct.

But don't we do the same? Your average lad from Hoylake is a plassie scouser, but yet Daniel Craig was hailed as the scouse James Bond (although I think the blue half have since disowned him!). If someone from the area or connections to the area does well, then why not get behind them? So fair play to the Nigerians.

Barkley to my eyes, despite not yet even getting close to his potential is a really good player. I have a feeling if we lose Barkley we will really regret it in years to come.

The thought of seeing Ross playing for Spurs and us signing Sigurdsson and Giroud fills me with dread. Fingers crossed the rumours are untrue.

Surely Barkley would recognise this shift and realise the team now has more players for him to aim passes at?

If it is Barkley wanting to move upwards to a bigger and better side, then he's certainly picked the wrong summer! I just can't see how this would be the reason.

I also believe Spurs will strike for Barkley right at the death of the window, and I wouldn't be surprised if we spend the Barkley money in advance of him leaving, by Moshiri covering the deficit to avoid us running out of time to replace him (presumably with Sigurdsson).

Absolutely, but his refusal to sign a new deal was made before last season was over

He'd hardly be sat down and told 'big' Ron's plans.

Sure he knows now but like any normal person, he'd probably look and feel a twat now saying (lowers head, mumbles) "Alright, I'll stay like."

Look my 'point' was simply to answer some of what I consider weak (ie: not thought out properly) criticism.

Fact is the lad himself appears to have said fuck-all (unlike Romelu "why doesn't he shut the fuck up" Lukaku) yet somehow is now a greedy twat, Bertie Big-Bollocks etc blah blah.

He's a good player (nb: didn't say genius!) he's a blue and he's a Liverpool lad, so he gets my support until he gives me a reason not to (and our forward 'line' not moving their arses last season isn't, imo, a reason to blame him).

Barkley underwent surgery today on his groin, with the injury having prevented him from travelling with the Everton team last week to Tanzania and this week to Holland. The surgery has been a success and he is expected to be able to return to play in approximately four weeks.

May answer a few questions.

Funes Mori had surgery on his knee; out for 6-9 months it says.

His epic, transfer / non-transfer saga feels saddening. 'Lads has just had minor groin surgery. So it looks like deadline day Spurs or bust.

A rainy day on a summer of sunshine for Everton. Time to watch his replacements versus Twente...

I won't speak for everyone but I suspect the reason that the topic of Barkley draws so much attention from our fans is because we don't understand or agree with his decision; he frustrated us even when he's off the pitch.

I believe he's still at the best club for his development, he has so much potential but only lives up to it in flashes. The biggest doubt that most fans have regarding Barkley is his temperament and a move to Tottenham is not going to make things any easier for him. It just feels like he's making a poor choice in leaving at this time.

What we all fear is that he will not be allowed to understand that his best interests might lie with being challenged to become better with EFC! By most accounts, he was not cut out to be a scholar... So we all fear he's being given bad advice by someone hoping to make money off his eventual move anywhere...

Umm, do agents earn an annual salary if their clients stay put???