Everton manager Sam Allardyce has said the future of midfielder Ross Barkley is out of his hands as the January transfer window approaches.
Barkley, 24, is in the final year of his contract and is yet to feature this season as he recovers from a hamstring injury.
Barkley was close to joining Chelsea in the summer but opted against a move to the Premier League champions in order to focus on his rehabilitation. Tottenham Hotspur are also reported to be interested in the England international.
Chelsea had an offer of £35 million (Dh172.8m) accepted in the summer and are expected to renew their interest next month.
_____________________________________________
Read more:
- Premier League predictions: Will Manchester City extend winning record against Tottenham?
- Richard Jolly: Whether Ashley sells or not Newcastle need major reinforcements in January
- Pep Guardiola: Manchester City must not let up despite record 15th successive victory
_____________________________________________
Allardyce, who replaced Ronald Koeman as Everton manager last month, revealed Barkley is no closer to agreeing a new contract and is unsure what the future holds for the midfielder.
"If someone comes in during January and says: 'Here you go' (with an offer) and the club says: 'Look, if he's not going to sign for us this has to be the case,' then I accept that," Allardyce said.
"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 for us until he leaves on a free transfer. I would hate that to happen but it might do."
Allardyce also said defenders Jonjoe Kenny and Mason Holgate and forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin would be important to Everton's future success after they signed new long-term contracts.
"There's no doubt in my mind that they will play big roles at Everton for a long time to come," the former England manager told the club's website.
Everton, who have found some form under Allardyce, have risen to 10th in the league and host bottom-side Swansea City on Monday.
