That makes the midfielder’s situation even more pressing than hitman Lukaku, who still has two to run.
And Koeman had an ominous warning for both when he addressed the issue which is threatening to blow all his good work to shreds.
The Goodison gaffer said of Barkley: “His situation is different because Ross is running out next year in the last year of his contract.
Ross Barkley has just over a year left on his contractReutersRoss Barkley and Romelu Lukaku are both wanted in a £100million deal by ChelseaGetty Images
“Normally you make decisions at the end of the season, and you need to sign a new contract or you sell the player.
“There is no ultimatum, but it’s normal, it’s business. I think the player needs to understand this.
“I spoke to Ross about a new contract and it is up to the board to get that contract over the line, but that is normal.
most read in sport
AN OFFER HE CAN'T REFUSE
Legendary WWE icon CM Punk offered staggering $1m to make a one-off return to the ring
AND HE'S WON IT
Ander Herrera bags player of the year award at Man United's lavish end of season bash hosted by Rachel Riley
'NOT A COACH'
Tony Adams: Arsene Wenger couldn't coach his way out of a paper bag... and Arsenal blocked me returning FOUR times
'I'LL DO IT RIGHT NOW'
WWE star Dean Ambrose wants cross-code fight in the UFC if he is paid $500,000
FAB DAY OUT
Amazing trio of Wags step out for launch of designer shoe shop... but who are their famous partners?
'i felt embarrassed for the club'
Arsenal legend Tony Adams on his shock at 'disrespectful' final contract offer
'do something about your wife'
Sexy footie WAG in hot water after posing bizarre picture of herself on the LOO
JUDGMENT DAY
Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke 'set to jet into London' to discuss Arsene Wenger's future
Two Games left lads!
Chelsea stars given midweek break by Antonio Conte after title heroics... but they've still got the FA Cup final to go
dive bar
Premier League divers will be BANNED by the FA from next season after chiefs vote in support of rule shake-up
Blues in Aub-it
Chelsea want Borussia Dortmund's 37-goal hero Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to replace Diego Costa
power serg
Sergio Romero set to be Man Utd number one next season if David De Gea moves to Real Madrid
Feeling Bleus
Didier Deschamps blasts Martial's confidence as he snubs winger for France's clash with England
LONDON CALLING
Crystal Palace eye double raid for Man City's out-of contract full-backs Bacary Sagna and Gael Clichy
UNITED FRONT
Fergie tapped me up twice but I turned Manchester United down because I was Arsenal through and through, says Tony Adams
SIX OF THE BEST
Leicester 1 Tottenham 6: Harry Kane hits four to become leading scorer in Premier League as Spurs rout Foxes at King Power Stadium
WRIGHT'S RULES
Tony Adams: Arsene Wenger changed time of training to suit Ian Wright because he hated confrontation
Dier Straits
Tottenham shaken as Eric Dier wants to leave along with Kyle Walker and Danny Rose... as both Manchester clubs prepare to swoop for Spurs stars
JOURNEY SOUTH
Bournemouth ready to offer Jermain Defoe a staggering £18million to land him from Sunderland
United offered Silva platter
Man United target and Monaco's £70m ace Bernardo Silva issues come-get-me plea
“At Southampton we had Nathaniel Clyne and he didn’t sign a new contract and we sold him in the summer.
“It is football, but it is totally different between two and one year – with one year you need to make a decision for the club, so the club knows what will happen next year.”
Romelu Lukaku has been on-fire for Everton this season, even recently breaking Duncan Ferguson's club record for leading Premier League scorerPA:Press AssociationRomelu Lukaku has told Everton he will not be signing a new dealGetty Images
For his part, Lukaku could yet be fined for his comments, and the board will make a decision on what punishment to dish out while he is away on international duty in a fortnight.
But Koeman warned: “I am not afraid of his situation because he has two more years on his contract. Everyone knows what can happen, but you need to respect your contract.
“Of course I am not happy about that interview because if Everton FC is not a club with a lot of ambition, I wouldn’t be the manager here.
“If you are a player, prepare yourself to play well and score goals. We know he’s one of the best. The rest needs to be done by the manager and the board.
“Every player has ambition, everyone wants to play for titles, play in the Champions League, that’s a normal ambition.
“What we like to do is show maybe is that if there’s one club out of the big six, to take the next step, it’s us.”
Leave a comment