Everton boss Ronald Koeman is not one to bite his tongue when he's got an issue, as we've seen in recent times with his very public spats with Ireland manager Martin O'Neill.
While James McCarthy has often been at the root of that disagreement, the Irishman has been linked with a move to a number of Premier League clubs so there many be no issue on that front in the near future, but it seems as though the Dutchman has a different problem to worry about.
That of perennial 'young talent' Ross Barkley.
While the Everton academy product has been linked with moves away for some time now, most notably Tottenham, it seems as though the club were keen to keep him, but after a poor performance when brought on as a sub against Arsenal on the final day of the Premier League season, Ronald Koeman's comments in his post-match press conference suggest he is going to be moved on.
Koeman "Barkley was one of the players who didn't show productivity today. We need to change, we need to find players with productivity #EFC
— Ben Dinnery (@BenDinnery) May 21, 2017
BREAKING: @Everton manager Ronald Koeman says he is not confident @RBarkley20 will stay at the club. #SSNHQ pic.twitter.com/EQEedVbG3X
— Sky Sports News HQ (@SkySportsNewsHQ) May 19, 2017
Ronald Koeman confirms that Everton will be issuing a statement tomorrow following talks over Ross Barkley's future at the club #EFC
— Richard Buxton (@RichardBuxton_) May 21, 2017
Koeman will meet the board to discuss Barkley's contract on Monday, but it seems as though the Dutchman is preparing for life without the 23-year old midfielder.
Some fans are upset that this would only lower any potential fee for Barkley by suggestion to other clubs that they do not wish to keep the player, but the fact that he is English, under 25, and clearly has a lot of talent, will most likely ensure that a big fee is received if someone does wish to take him away.
This has all the makings of a summer transfer saga that will drag on for a good while, so we'll have to wait and see what happens.
