Everton legend Lee Carsley has encouraged youngster Ross Barkley to ignore speculation over his future and continue developing with the Toffees beyond the summer.

The 20-year-old became a first-team regular at Goodison Park last season and saw his form rewarded with a call-up to England's World Cup squad for the trip to Brazil next month.

Manager Roberto Martinez has previously stated that he has no intention on selling the midfielder for any price, and Carsley - who spent six years with the club - is adamant that Everton remains the best place for the starlet.

"Roberto Martinez is spot-on to suggest that Goodison Park is the perfect place for Ross Barkley," he wrote in the Liverpool Echo.

"He's an Evertonian, the fans love him and the club stuck by him during his injuries which I'm sure he'll always be grateful for.

"Obviously if Ross makes a big impact with England at the World Cup this summer we'll get all the inevitable transfer gossip rumours but the truth is that Ross would be better off staying at Everton and I reckon he's clever enough to realise that."

Barkley struck six Premier League goals for the Merseysiders last season.