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Ronald Koeman reveals details of transfer talks with Ross Barkley: Arsenal and Spurs keen
ROSS BARKLEY wants to play in the Champions League, Everton boss Ronald Koeman has confirmed.
Arsenal and Tottenham supposedly want to sign Ross Barkley
Everton have offered star player Barkley a new contract in the hope they can block a potential transfer this summer.
The Toffees are already expected to lose Romelu Lukaku at the end of the season after the Belgium international refused to sign a new deal.
Arsenal and Tottenham have both been linked with swoops for Barkley, although Everton will hold out for a huge offer if a Premier League rival comes in for the England international.
I spoke to him recently and he mentioned Champions League
Everton can still qualify for the Champions League but are seven points off fourth-place Manchester City, with Manchester United and Arsenal also battling for a top-four spot.
And Koeman admits Everton will have to match Barkley’s ambitions to keep him happy at Goodison Park.
"I'm not involved in negotiations but I know board is talking to his agent. Everton is the best place for him.
"I spoke to him recently and he mentioned Champions League. I told him I wanted it also.
"It is not necessary to speak about ambition. The club is going in right direction."
Barkley (right) has been offered a new contract at Everton
Ronald Koeman says Barkley wants to play in the Champions League
OUTRAGE as Ross Barkley tackles Everton's Dejan Lovren
Arsenal are said to have eyed Barkley for months, with manager Arsene Wenger keen to bring the best of England’s young talents to the Emirates.
But Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has also proven capable of nurturing home-grown players, with Barkley’s international team-mates Harry Kane, Dele Alli, Eric Dier, Kyle Walker and Danny Rose all flourishing at White Hart Lane.
Speaking last weekend, Everton boss Koeman said the club had offered Barkley an ultimatum over the contract.
“We offer him a new contract and then there are two possibilities: one is sign that contract and if he doesn’t sign the contract we need to sell the player,” said Koeman.
“It is simple, not so difficult in my opinion.”
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