Everton midfielder Ross Barkley will have to add to his game if he is to reach his potential at a top-four club, says former Toffees player Leon Osman.
Everton boss Ronald Koeman says Barkley is “looking for a new challenge” – and Tottenham are reportedly interested in signing the 23-year-old.
“He is certainly going to get into top teams in the league,” said Osman.
“But he’s not got the all-round game yet that managers of these top four or six clubs want to see.”
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 live, he added: “Moments of brilliance he shows are what clubs strive for. That’s why he’s constantly linked with top clubs. Not every player can produce those moments.”
Osman believes the timing of Barkley’s decision is odd in a summer during which Everton have spent heavily on 12 new recruits.
He was not part of the squad for Thursday’s Europa League qualifier win over MFK Ruzomberok, and on Friday he was linked with a move to Premier League champions Chelsea.
“Ross Barkley has got a big decision to make,” Osman added. “Now it’s up to Koeman to plan for time without him.
“He has to plan for the club to move forward and he’s been doing a good job so far.”