Everton manager Sam Allardyce has told Sky Sports that he wants to keep Ross Barkley, but admits that a deal for the midfielder to leave elsewhere could already be agreed in principle.

What’s the word?

In the summer transfer window, the England international was heavily linked with a move away.

Everton majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri revealed on transfer deadline day that Barkley was on the verge of signing for Chelsea, but the deal collapsed.

Tottenham Hotspur also appeared in the transfer gossip pages as a potential suitor for the midfielder.

With the 23-year-old’s current contract due to expire at the end of the season, speculation continues over his future.

Allardyce, who was appointed by the Toffees last week, has been frank about the situation surrounding Barkley, who has not played at all this season due to injury.

The manager told Sky Sports:

“I’d like to think we can keep Barkley, unless somebody’s already done a deal for him. I am not daft enough to know in this game that those words and phone calls might not have already gone on. If we could get Ross Barkley to stay then nobody would be more delighted than me. Whether that is a possibility I do not know.”

Has Allardyce made a mistake?

On most occasions, players and managers alike remain coy when it comes to transfer rumours.

It makes sense when the speculation is about a potential target, but it is refreshing to see Allardyce speak openly about his own player’s future.

The comments are not in danger of disrupting the squad either as the midfielder is still on the sidelines with injury.

If Barkley was a pivotal cog in Everton’s machine at the moment, then it would be irresponsible of Allardyce to suggest that the player might move on.

The remarks are also likely to attract attention from other clubs, which could spark a January bidding war for the midfielder.