Thursday 9 March 2017 16:42, UK
Ronald Koeman has confirmed that Everton plan to hold talks with Ross Barkley over a new contract.
The England midfielder, who joined the Everton academy aged 11, sees his current contract expire in June 2018.
Koeman dropped the 23-year-old earlier this season and criticised him more than once, admitting doubts that Barkley could fulfil the promise he showed as a teenager.
However, Barkley seems to have flourished under the Dutchman's critique and now the manager is keen to keep him at the club.
"Yeah there are talks planned," Koeman said. "I don't think talks have started yet.
"Those players who finished the contract after one year, he's one of them and we will do everything to keep Ross and sign a new contract."
Barkley has rediscovered his form since being left out for a period by Koeman is now holding down a regular place in the Dutchman's starting XI, creating 57 chances this season and scoring five goals.
And Koeman is pleased with Barkley's improvement since the turn of the year.
"To get the productivity and strengths for the players in front, he is improving," the Dutchman said.
"He is more important for the team in the last part of attacking than he was before and that is what I want."
