Barkley to delay Everton extension

Everton midfielder Ross Barkley is set to prolong negotiations over a fresh contract as he assesses his future at Goodison Park.

The England international is approaching the final year of his Toffees contract, but this has not urged him to commit his future at Merseyside.

Barkley is said to be unhappy with regards to Ronald Koeman's public criticism of him earlier in the campaign, and he is unsure whether he wants to continue with his present club beyond the campaign.

Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are among a long list of clubs interested in the playmaker, and the Toffees could well command a good sum if Barkley is to end his association during the off-season.

The 23-year-old has appeared in exactly 165 outings for Everton across all competitions since graduating from the youth ranks during the 2010-11 campaign.