Everton transfer news: Contract talks for out-of-favour Ross Barkley ‘not a priority’ for Toffees boss Ronald Koeman amid Spurs interest
Barkley has struggled for form during the early stages of Koeman's tenure at Goodison Park and Spurs want to offer £35m
RONALD KOEMAN says contract talks with Ross Barkley are not an immediate priority for Everton.
Long-serving Barkley has been badly out of form during the early stages of Koeman's tenure at Goodison Park, despite a marked improvement during Wednesday's win against Arsenal.
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The England international has 18 months left on his current contract and SunSport understands Tottenham have made a tentative enquiry about the playmaker.
Spurs are believed to need to offer £35million for Barkley - but a January deal is unlikely given how difficult it is to conduct business for major players midway through a season.
Despite Everton trio Leighton Baines, Gareth Barry and Mason Holgate all signing fresh terms yesterday, Koeman is not planning to discuss a new deal with Barkley until the New Year.
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The Dutchman said: "We know it's about 18 months of contract. I think it's not the priority now. Of course, in the new year, we will have talks about his situation and about his future.
"But the priority now is playing and winning and we will see what happens in January."
Koeman also insisted he had received no contact from Spurs before appearing to dismiss the speculation surrounding Barkley.
He added: "I'm not interested in what you write about the futures of players because there's nobody knocking on the door."
Barkley remains one of the poster boys for Everton's youth system, having progressed through the ranks before making his debut as a teenager in 2011 - winning full England honours in the process.
And Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino wants someone like Barkley to provide a more attacking support for lone striker Harry Kane at White Hart Lane.