Ross Barkley held talks with Ronald Koeman to discuss failed Chelsea move

Everton future? Koeman will not be hurried into a decision on Barkley
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Tom Dutton7 September 2017

Ronald Koeman met with Ross Barkley on Tuesday to discuss the midfielder's failed move to Chelsea.

Barkley was on the verge of joining the Premier League champions on deadline day after the two clubs agreed a £35million deal, but pulled out of the move at the eleventh hour.

Everton majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri claimed that Barkley even underwent a medical at Chelsea before opting out of the transfer, but Barkley has denied these suggestions.

The injured 23-year-old has decided to reconsider his future in January when he is expected to have fully recovered from a hamstring problem.

Barkley has just 12 months to run on his current Everton deal, but Koeman says he will not be hurried into a decision over the player's future following his failed move.

"Ross also came to see me on Tuesday and he explained to me why he turned down (the chance) to go to Chelsea," said the Everton manager.

"That is a private talk with Ross and I am not the right man to explain to you about his decision or the reason for that decision.

"He was open to make a move to another club and from what I heard from the board, there was an agreement between Chelsea and Everton.

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"But finally the decision was by the player and that is what happened at that time."

Asked whether his Everton career was over Koeman added: "No, he is still an Everton player and he has a contract until the end of this season.

"At this time he is injured and it will take another two to two-and-a-half months until he is available.

"I don't have to take a decision, I can wait to see what happens and then we will see what the decision will be at that time."