'We did everything': Everton could not have done more to keep Ross Barkley says Ronald Koeman

Ronald Koeman insists Everton have done everything possible to keep midfielder Ross Barkley as they await a decision over whether the England international will sign a new deal at Goodison Park.

The 23-year-old has been given a deadline of the end of the season to make a decision over an extension to his contract which expires in the summer of 2018, with Tottenham Hotspur among the clubs monitoring the situation.

Barkley has enjoyed a fruitful campaign for the Toffees, who are assured of a place in Europe next season; scoring six goals making nine assists in all competitions.

He provided a timely reminder of his talent with the winning goal as Everton surpassed the 60-point mark with victory over Watford at Goodison Park on Friday (12 May).

Tottenham attempted to lure Barkley to north London in the January transfer window but are expected to reignite their interest in the summer with an offer approaching £35m. However, that asking price may decrease should the player indicate he has no wish to remain at Everton.

Koeman has pledged to sell Barkley if he does agree to the offer of a new deal by the final day of the Premier League season on 21 May. The Dutch coach believes the club could not have done more to keep Barkley, having offered him a deal worth £100,000-a-week.

"I can understand for the players that it's a difficult situation, but football is also sometimes a business," Koeman told Sky Sports after the match. "You know if you have players in the team who go into the last year of the contract, you need to do business.

"I still hope that he will sign that good offer which the board made, and that he will continue. We did everything. The board did everything with the offer they made for him. I spoke to the player, I can't do more. He needs to decide his future is. In Everton or away from Everton."

Despite concerns over the amount of money which will be made available to Mauricio Pochettino, Tottenham are taking particular interest in the future of Barkley ahead of the summer transfer window. Spurs will feel confident of securing a cut-price deal for the dynamic midfielder should he decide against staying with the Merseysiders.

The north Londoners have often lacked a creative spark this season and former Tottenham midfielder Jamie Redknapp says Barkley could fill that void. "I think in the summer maybe they'll reflect and maybe look for that bit of X factor that can open the door sometimes, particularly away from home," he told Sky Sports.

"As a manager you want someone, that's why they're talking about a Wilfred Zaha or a Ross Barkley, someone who can do something different. Because when you're at White Hart Lane, you get a lot of possession, but sometimes on the break, you need someone to unlock the door."