Everton midfielder Ross Barkley is yet to sign a new contract at the club with his current deal expiring at the end of the season, and his manager Sam Allardyce says he wouldn’t block his departure if the board decided to sell him in January.
The 24-year-old was close to joining Premier League champions Chelsea in the summer for £35 million before he decided to stay at Goodison Park.
Chelsea may reignite their interest in Barkley next month along with Tottenham, who are also rumoured to be keeping tabs on the player.
"It's a difficult one," said Allardyce. "I haven't had the opportunity yet to find out the true, or the whole, scenario and say, 'Where does it lie?' and then make a decision one way or the other.
"I'm not in control of that in too many ways. If someone comes in during January and says 'here you go', and the club say 'look, if he's not going to sign for us, this has to be the case', then I accept that."
Barkley is yet to make an appearance this season following a hamstring injury but Allardyce is willing to include him in first-team plans as he edges closer to full fitness, even if he fails to agree on a new deal.
"If Ross stays, and stays until the end of the season, and I feel he is giving 100 per cent to the team, like he has done since he was a kid, then he is an available asset until he leaves on a free transfer," he said.
"I would hate that to happen, but it might do."
The Blues are currently on a four-match unbeaten run since Allardyce took charge in early December, with three victories and a 1-1 draw at Anfield in the Merseyside derby.
Next up for Everton is a home clash against bottom of the table Swansea, where three points could see them overtake Watford into ninth place in the league.
