Former Blackburn Rovers striker Chris Sutton believes that there is a big reason why Ross Barkley has not yet agreed a new contract at Everton.

The TV and radio pundit believes that the midfielder has been tapped up by another club hoping to secure his services.

Everton manager Ronald Koeman made it clear publicly at the weekend that the club have no problem selling him if they have to.

The Dutchman told reporters after Sunday’s 4-2 victory over Leicester City that Barkley will be sold in the summer if he does not sign a fresh deal.

That is because the club are not prepared to let him go on a free transfer when his current contract expires at the end of the 2017-18 campaign.

Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Arsenal have all appeared as potential suitors for Barkley in the British press, and Sutton believes that there must be a rival club trying to turn his head.

The Premier League winner told BBC Radio 5 Live:

"He's more than likely been tapped up. I think he has been tapped up and that's why there is a situation over this contract. It happens to us all.

"Why wouldn't he sign? The financial situation… they could come to an agreement [over wages]. There's a reason he hasn't signed - his agent would have been in talks with somebody.”

https://video.footballfancast.com/video-2015/ross-barkley.mp4