Sam Allardyce admits Ross Barkley's Everton future is 'out of his hands' ahead of January transfer window

  • Sam Allardyce has admitted he cannot stop the club from selling Ross Barkley
  • Chelsea are expected to revive their interest in Barkley when the window opens
  • The Everton boss wants to work with him though, and will consider selecting him
  • Barkley's season has been blighted by injury but he could return to action soon
  • His deal expires in the summer and Allardyce is hoping he doesn't leave for free 

Sam Allardyce has admitted Ross Barkley's future is out of his hands and indicated Everton's hierarchy will determine if he stays beyond January.

The England international has not kicked a ball for Everton this season, with his campaign decimated by a hamstring injury that was so bad it required surgery to be corrected in August. Barkley has returned to training but there is no date on when he will return.

His absence, though, has not stopped clubs looking at his situation with Chelsea ready to resurrect their interest in him when the window opens, having come close to signing him in August only for the deal to break down at the eleventh hour.

Everton boss Sam Allardyce has admitted Ross Barkley's future at the club is 'out of his hands'

Everton boss Sam Allardyce has admitted Ross Barkley's future at the club is 'out of his hands'

Allardyce would love the opportunity to work with Barkley and, contrary to the stance that was taken by Ronald Koeman, the new Everton manager will consider the 24-year-old for selection if he remains at Goodison Park for the remainder of the season even if he is running down his contract.


It could be, however, that an offer from Chelsea – or long-term admirers Tottenham - persuades Everton to cash in and Allardyce, who has been holding one-to-one meetings with his squad this week, has explained others will be responsible for taking the ultimate decision.

Chelsea are expected to resurrect their interest in Barkley when the January window opens

Chelsea are expected to resurrect their interest in Barkley when the January window opens

Despite being powerless Allardyce is keen for him to stay and would consider him for selection

Despite being powerless Allardyce is keen for him to stay and would consider him for selection

'It's a difficult one,' said Allardyce. 'I haven't had the opportunity yet, to find out the true – or the whole – scenario and say "Where does your future lie?" and then make a decision one way or the other. I'm not in control of that in too many ways.

'If someone comes in during January and says "here you go" and the club says "look, if he's not going to sign for us, this has to be the case" then I accept that.

'But if Ross stays until the end of the season and I feel he is giving 100 per cent to the team – like he has done since he was a kid – then he is an available asset until he leaves on a free transfer. I would hate that to happen but it might do.'

Barkley recently posted a picutre of the scar he got from surgery on his left hamstring

Barkley recently posted a picutre of the scar he got from surgery on his left hamstring

The midfielder is now back in first-team training and could return to action in two weeks' time

The midfielder is now back in first-team training and could return to action in two weeks' time

Barkley posted an Instagram picture earlier this week which showed the scar from the surgery that was needed to repair the hamstring in his left leg with the words 'not long now' and Allardyce is delighted to see him recovering, insisting he 'looked fit and healthy'.

Everton, meanwhile, have confirmed contract extensions for Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Jonjoe Kenny and Mason Holgate, three youngsters who have excelled this season. 

Allardyce said: 'We're delighted that these young men have committed long-term to the Club and there's no doubt in my mind that they will play big roles at Everton for a long time to come.'

His contract is up in the summer and Allardyce said he does not want to see him leave for free

His contract is up in the summer and Allardyce said he does not want to see him leave for free