Everton manager Sam Allardyce accepts he may be forced to sell star midfielder Ross Barkley in January.
Barkley, 24, last played competitively in May but is nearing a return from a hamstring injury.
"It's a difficult one," he said.
"I haven't had the opportunity yet to find out the truth, or the whole scenario, to ask, 'Where does it lie?' and then make a decision one way or the other.
"I'm not in control of that in too many ways. If someone comes in during January and says, 'Here you go' [with an offer] and the club says, 'Look, if he's not going to sign for us this has to be the case,' then I accept that."
"If Ross stays, and stays until the end of the season, and I feel he is giving 100 per cent to the team, like he has done since he was a kid, then he is an available asset until he leaves on a free transfer," he said.
"I would hate that to happen, but it might do."
