Unsworth ‘would love’ Barkley to stay at Everton

Everton caretaker boss David Unsworth has admitted that he “would love” Ross Barkley to stay at the club.

The England international has been linked with a move away from Goodison Park for some time now, and was due to secure his switch near the end of the summer transfer window.

Barkley had travelled to Chelsea to complete a move, but performed a sensational U-turn, seeing him return to Everton. Tottenham are still reportedly keen on a move for the midfielder, along with the Blues.

However, despite this, Unsworth remains keen for Barkley to stay at Everton, as he steps up his recovery from injury.

As quoted by the Liverpool Echo, Unsworth lauded Barkley as a ‘top talent’.

I spoke to Ross this morning. He is working really hard in the gym, and coming along nicely. My opinion of Ross is that I would love him to stay. I would absolutely love it. He is a top talent. Everton has done great for him, and he has done great for Everton. He could one of the all-time greats here.

I would love him to be persuaded by myself and the chairman and Farhad (Moshiri) to stay and sign a contract.

We shouldn’t be losing players of his quality. He’s a top player who has come through our ranks. We shouldn’t be losing our own players. I feel that very strongly.

Unsworth is currently the manager of the Everton Under-23 side, but is acting as the caretaker manager of the club as they begin their hunt for a new permanent manager.

Ronald Koeman was relieved of his duties on Monday, and Unsworth will take charge of Everton for their upcoming games, starting with their trip to Chelsea in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.

I would love to have a cup of tea with him and discuss the possibility of signing and staying here, because we love him. And I know he loves Everton. I want everyone to come together and hopefully we can thrash something out with Ross.