Ross Barkley lacks the desire and the attitude to be a top player according to former Everton and Celtic midfielder John Collins.

Toffees boss Ronald Koeman confirmed on Wednesday that he expected the England international to leave the club after the player made it clear he wants a new challenge.

Both Arsenal and Tottenham have been linked with potential moves for the 23-year-old but Collins believes the writing was on the wall for Barkley after Everton brought Wayne Rooney back from Manchester United.

“I think Wayne Rooney is a replacement for Ross Barkley – I think they are probably playing a similar position,” the ex-Scotland international told the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast.

“When they signed Wayne Rooney I thought the writing was on the wall for Ross Barkley.

“He’s talented, he’s got skill, he can beat a man and he can shoot but end product – 21 goals in 150 matches – I don’t think it’s a great figure.

“Sometimes he doesn’t run, work and sweat enough for the team when you watch him.

“If he had Wayne Rooney’s attitude and desire then I would class him as a top player.”

While Barkley’s next destination remains unclear managers across the Premier League would certainly be interested in a midfielder that possesses so much ability.

READ MORE: Everton midfielder Ross Barkley ‘on Manchester United’s list of targets’, talkSPORT told

However, Collins believes it can be very difficult to install the necessary attitude in a player in order to push him onto the next level.

“Some managers, you look at him and you say he’s got talent, can I put that desire and that work ethic into him and turn him into a top player,” he said.

“But it’s difficult to give players that desire.

“When I watch him sometimes he doesn’t really want the ball all the time.”

Collins added: “Is it confidence? I don’t think so because he’s got a lot of talent, he’s got skill, he’s got power, he’s got speed but to be a top player – as we are all talking about it – you have got to have the whole package.

“At this moment when I am seeing him he doesn’t have the whole package.”