Barkley wants new challenge away from Everton, confirms Koeman

Everton manager Ronald Koeman has confirmed that Ross Barkley is seeking a new challenge away from Goodison Park this summer. 

Barkley is entering the final year of his contract with the Toffees and while an offer is on the table, the England international is reluctant to extend his stay at the club. 

Tottenham are keen on the 23-year-old, but have been put off by Everton’s £50m valuation of the player. 

Arsenal have also registered an interest in Barkley, whose time with the Toffees is effectively over following Koeman’s admission. 

"We made a good offer to him to sign a new contract. He declined and told me he is looking for a new challenge," Koeman is quoted as saying by the Daily Star. 

"What I heard from the board is that there's not really an offer on the table for Ross. 

"I'm looking to other players and that's my priority - not Ross. 

"It's his decision and everybody knows what the situation is. 

"We work with respectful people and he is back after his surgery then he will be part of first-team sessions." 

Barkley made more key passes (84) than any other played aged 23 & under in Europe’s top five leagues last season.