Friday 16 December 2016 15:58, UK
Ronald Koeman says opening contract talks with Everton midfielder Ross Barkley is not a priority at the moment.
The 23-year-old has not always been a regular starter for Koeman since he took over at Goodison Park in the summer, with the Dutchman recently insisting Barkley had to do more and fight for his place.
Koeman did say that discussions over Barkley's future will take place in the new year, with his contract set to expire in the summer of 2018. Reports this week have suggested that Tottenham are interested in the midfielder but the Everton manager is not interested in rumours.
"We know it's about 18 months of contract. I think it's not the priority now," Koeman said.
"Of course, in the new year, we will have talks about his situation and about his future. But the priority now is playing and winning and we will see what happens in January."
Barkley was left out of the side for the recent games against Manchester United and Watford but was restored to the starting line-up against Arsenal and set up the winner for Ashley Williams.
Koeman insisted there has been no contact from Spurs, saying of the rumours: "I'm not interested in what you write about the futures of players because there's nobody knocking on the door about players from Everton."
Leighton Baines, Gareth Barry and young defender Mason Holgate all signed new terms on Friday, keeping them at the club until 2018, 2019 and 2021 respectively and Koeman was delighted to see them agree new deals.
"Of course I am happy. If I don't see any future for these players then they don't sign new contracts," he said. "Gareth has showed this season that he's still a key player for the team and of course he's still fit. Fitness wise he's very good to play one more year for Everton.
"Leighton showed to be one of the key players defensively, good boy, and he's a little bit younger than Gareth and I'm happy that he will stay.
"Mason, we know he's a big talent. He's played already four or five games in the Premier League. He's the future for the club."
Elsewhere, Koeman revealed that winger Yannick Bolasie has undergone his first knee operation but must now wait for more surgery before beginning the long road back to fitness.
"He had his first surgery, which was about his meniscus," said the Everton boss. "Now the boy needs to wait around eight to 10 weeks when they do the surgery about his [cruciate ligament]. But he will be out for a long time."
