Everton caretaker manager David Unsworth has said that Ross Barkley has the potential to become one of the club's "all-time greats" if he can be persuaded to remain at Goodison Park.

The 23-year-old was linked with a move away over the summer and almost completed a transfer to Chelsea on deadline day, but the player allegedly pulled out after a change of heart.

In recent days reports have suggested that Tottenham Hotspur are planning to make a move in January, but Unsworth - in temporary charge following Ronald Koeman's dismissal yesterday - is hopeful that Barkley can be convinced to stay put.

"I would absolutely love him to stay," Unsworth told reporters today. "He is a top talent. Everton has done great for him and he has done great for Everton, but he could be one of the all-time greats here.

"I would love him to be persuaded by myself, the chairman and Farhad [Moshiri] to stay and sign a contract because we shouldn't be losing players of his quality. He is a great player that has come through our ranks and I feel very strongly that we shouldn't be losing our own players.

"I would love him to sit down with me and have a cup of tea and discuss the possibility of signing and staying here, because we love him and he loves Everton."

Barkley has yet to play for the Toffees this term as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury.