MANAGER David Moyes is concerned Everton FC will find it problematic to keep hold of Ross Barkley in the future – as the club bolster their ranks with the return of James McFadden until the end of the season.

Barkley remains the subject of growing interest from a number of the Premier League’s leading clubs but is expected to be handed a bumper five-year deal by the Goodison Park outfit in December, when he turns 18.

Moyes admits Everton will have to brace themselves for offers for the Wavertree-born teenager but has warned any potential suitors that Barkley will not be allowed to leave on the cheap.

Barkley has played just five times for Everton this season but has swiftly garnered a reputation as the finest talent to emerge from the club’s academy since Wayne Rooney, impressing in both domestic and international competition with England under-19s and u-21s.

Moyes reckons that his team are a stronger outfit than when Rooney burst onto the scene in 2003 and believes that by constantly achieving top half finishes, the club can keep hold of Barkley for longer than they did the now Manchester United striker.

Although the Everton manager was honest about what may lie ahead for Barkley, he was keen to stress he has no intention of selling him anytime soon.

“Every club will want Ross Barkley because Ross Barkley is going to be an outstanding player,” said Moyes.

“I am worried yeah. I’m worried it will be a difficulty for us in the future.

“At the moment the only thing you've got to remember is that Ross hasn't played for us in two years. If someone comes for Ross I've always said it, it’s expensive to buy off Everton in the main. “If you’re going to come and try to take our better players we don’t sell cheap, that’s for sure.

“I’m sure the bigger clubs will be looking at him, but we’ve no intention of selling him.