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Ross Barkley's Everton future has taken yet another twist amid fears that his torn hamstring could lead to a lengthy lay off.

The midfielder – who Ronald Koeman is ready to offload after he told the Blues boss he would not be signing a new contract because he was looking for a new challenge – is believed to have suffered a Grade Three tear report the Daily Mail.

Scans have confirmed the extent of the problem and the injury – that might keep Barkley sidelined for six weeks – could possibly scupper a move away from Goodison Park during the current transfer window.

Everton valued Barkley, 23, at £50million at the end of last season but they seem unlikely to be able to command such a fee given that the player has entered the final year of his current deal.

A host of high-profile Premier League clubs such as Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United have all been linked with a move for the England international but no offers are believed to have been tabled to date and if Barkley does not leave in the summer window, his value could plummet as he would become eligible to start discussions with foreign clubs come January with the option of signing a pre-contract for a Bosman-style free transfer next summer.

The Wavertree-born player has not figured for Everton in any of their pre-season friendlies or Europa League qualifying matches this summer and had only just returned to training on Monday following a hernia operation when he reportedly had to be helped from the pitch at Finch Farm.