Everton manager Sam Allardyce has issued an update on Ross Barkley, admitting the player’s future lies in his own hands. Barkley is out of contract at Everton in the summer, with the midfielder turning down a new deal during the summer transfer window.

He was close to joining Antonio Conte’s Chelsea in August, but a deal collapsed in the final hours of the transfer window, with reports later suggesting the player had changed his mind halfway through a medical.

Apparently, Barkley did not undergo a medical with Chelsea and made a U-turn to stay at Everton. The England international, who is returning to fitness after a surgery on his ruptured hamstring, played in a behind-closed-doors game at Everton’s Finch Farm training ground early last week.

The 24-year-old, who appears on the wanted list of Tottenham and Chelsea, will be ready for first-team action soon. Originally reluctant to put pen to paper on a new Toffees deal due to a tussle with former manager Ronald Koeman, it looks to be seen whether Allardyce’s appointment as manager will have any impact on Barkley’s decision and the situation at Goodison Park.

Speaking about the situation, Allardyce said (as quoted by Football.London):

“It’s in Ross’ hands. He knows the door is always open if he wants to talk about staying, it’s never going to be the case where the door is going to be shut.

“Then what happens in January, who knows?”

Barkley, who is yet to feature for the club this season, will be hoping he can get some game time once he regains full fitness. Allardyce has been successful in rejuvenating the Toffees and will be eager to ease Barkley into his first-team plans rather rush the player.

With the January transfer window fast approaching, both Spurs and Chelsea will be looking forward to bolster their squads by bringing a couple of players.

After a failed move in summer, Conte is expected to reignite his interest in Barkley, while the Everton man could be tempted by Mauricio Pochettino, who continues to nurture his England teammates Harry Kane, Eric Dier, Harry Winks and Dele Alli.

Pochettino knows that he needs to fine-tune his side if they are to keep the pressure on the top four and therefore he might sign Barkley from Everton.

Would you be happy to see Barkley join Tottenham?