Ronald Koeman confirms Everton outcast Arouna Kone will leave this summer

Everton forward Arouna Kone will leave Goodison Park at the end of the season, manager Ronald Koeman has confirmed.

Kone joined the club under Roberto Martinez in the summer of 2013 but has made just four Premier League appearances this season, racking up a total of just 61 minutes on the pitch.

Reports this week have suggested the Ivory Coast international has already been told he is free to find a new club this summer with Koeman confirming at a press conference on Thursday (4 May) the 33-year-old is the first victim of his summer clear-out.

"Arouna has finished his contract and will leave the club at the end of the season," the Toffees boss said.

Elsewhere, Koeman is hopeful both Morgan Schneiderlin and James McCarthy will have some role to play in the season run-in. Former Manchester United midfielder Schneiderlin missed out due to a thigh injury last Sunday as Everton fell to as heavy 3-0 defeat to league leaders Chelsea.

Saturday's clash with Swansea City will come too soon for the France international, but Koeman says next Friday's (12 May) clash with Watford is a likely return date.

The manager has also not given up hope of Muhamed Besic making his first appearance of the season. The Bosnian is yet to play a minute of football this season having damaged his anterior cruciate ligament during the club's preseason campaign, but is in line to feature for the club's Under-23s against their Liverpool counterparts on Monday.

"Morgan is improving but won't be fit for the weekend but I believe he can be fit for next Friday," Koeman said. "McCarthy is close to being back, he is doing well."

When asked about Besic returning before the season is over, he added: "That decision we will make tomorrow, he will play for the Under-23s on Monday."