Ross Barkley in no rush to sign new deal at Everton as Tottenham eye summer move for unsettled midfielder

Everton are facing a challenge to persuade Ross Barkley to commit to a new deal following a difficult start to his relationship with Ronald Koeman.

The England midfielder has come in for criticism at various times since the Dutchman arrived at Goodison Park and has looked at times as though he is struggling for confidence; he has also been affected by losing his place in the England squad to Dele Alli.

Koeman has given the impression that he needs to be convinced of Barkley’s qualities and had dropped him for games against Manchester United and Watford before restoring the 23-year-old to his starting line-up against Arsenal on Tuesday.

Ross Barkley has blown hot and cold under manager Ronald Koeman this season

Barkley produced his most tenacious performance of the campaign and Koeman made a point of flagging his efforts up after the 2-1 victory – he provided the corner for Ashley Williams to power in a late header.

He has 18 months remaining on the deal he signed back in the summer of 2014 but talks about renegotiating his terms have, for the time being, been placed on hold. He is in no rush to commit to a long-term deal at this stage.

The situation has pricked Tottenham’s interest but they have not made contact about signing Barkley and there is no prospect of him being sold in January. Everton would be loath to let a player who would command a fee of more than £35million.

Everton’s interest at the moment is reinforcing their squad in January and they have made contact with Manchester United over signing Morgan Schneiderlin. The France international will cost around £20million and Jose Mourinho will not stand in his way.

Everton are facing a challenge to persuade unsettled Barkley to commit to new deal

Koeman made a point of flagging his efforts up after the 2-1 victory over Arsenal