Unsworth wants Barkley to stay at Everton

Barkley refused a contract extension before the start of the season and was close to joining Chelsea on final day of the transfer window, but a move to Stamford Bridge did not materialise.

(Reuters)

"I would absolutely love him to stay," Unsworth, who took charge of Everton after Ronald Koeman's sacking this week, told reporters.

"He is a top talent. Everton has done great for him and he has done great for Everton, but he could be one of the all-time greats here.

"He is a great player that has come through our ranks and I feel strongly that we shouldn't be losing our own players."

When asked whether he had talked with Barkley about his future, Unsworth replied: "I have not spoken to him about that since I spoke to the chairman yesterday, but I will be doing.

"I would love him to sit down with me and have a cup of tea and discuss the possibility of signing and staying here, because we love him and he loves Everton."

Barkley, currently out of action with a hamstring injury, is in the final year of his contract at Goodison Park.

(Reporting by Hardik Vyas in Bengaluru; Editing by Christian Radnedge)