Ronald Koeman: Everton will sell Ross Barkley if he turns down new deal

Ronald Koeman has called on Ross Barkley to sign a new deal with Everton or accept being sold by his boyhood club.

The England international has impressed recently and was a key component in Everton's latest home win over Leicester to draw Koeman's side level on points with sixth-placed Arsenal.

Barkley's understanding with Romelu Lukaku was once again evident as Everton ran out 4-2 victors in what was a seventh successive home victory in the league.

His fine form has seen Barkley linked with a move away from Goodison Park, especially as he has less than 18 months to run on his current deal.

Asked what can be done to ensure Liverpudlian Barkley remains with the blue half of Merseyside, Koeman said: "We offer him a new contract, and then (there are) two possibilities.

"One, he signs that contract, if he doesn't sign that contract then we need to sell the player. It's simple, it's not so difficult in my opinion."

The duo combined brilliantly for Lukaku's first of the afternoon which saw him score for the eighth successive home fixture in 2017, and his 23rd Premier League goal in the second half capped a comfortable success.

Both he and Barkley came under fire for underwhelming performances against Liverpool and then Manchester United but this was a reminder that the future looks bright at Goodison provided Everton's dangermen stay on board.

"We try to keep the best players," Koeman added.

"We spoke a lot about Ross and Rom because they are really important. We know Rom is a great finisher but Ross played really good football between the lines.

"I think he should have scored one but it is what you like to see - your best players performing like they showed because they played outstanding, the whole team performance was outstanding."