Everton news: Sam Allardyce admits future of Chelsea target Ross Barkley is ‘out of his hands’

EVERTON midfielder Ross Barkley's future at the Premier League club will be decided by the board, manager Sam Allardyce said.

The 24-year-old England international is in the final year of his contract and has declined a new offer.

Allardyce said: "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.

"If Ross stays until the end of the season and I feel he is giving 100 percent 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."

Barkley has not featured for Everton this season due to a hamstring injury.

The Toffees' midfielder, who almost signed for Chelsea in the summer before having a change of heart, could play his first game of the season before the new year.

Barkley, who is also a Tottenham target, is a fortnight away from returning to first-team availability.

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The England midfielder is in the final year of his contract at Goodison Park and is yet to agree an extension.

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.

He added: "There's no doubt in my mind that they will play big roles at Everton for a long time to come.

Everton, who have found some form under Allardyce since he was appointed late last month, have risen to 10th in the league and host bottom-side Swansea City on Monday.