Barcelona considering Deulofeu return

Having revived his once-promising career this season while on loan at AC Milan, Gerard Deulofeu has attracted the interest of former club Barcelona.

Surplus to requirements at Everton and firmly entrenched in Ronald Koeman's doghouse, Deulofeu was loaned to the San Siro in January and has since become a vital part of Vincenzo Montella's chase for a Europa League spot.

Apparently Barcelona has taken notice, with club sporting director Robert Fernandez confirming the Catalan interest Sunday.

"The club are firmly considering the option to bring him back to play for the first team next season," Fernandez told TV3, courtesy of BBC Sport.

After progressing from Barcelona's famed La Masia academy to make just two appearances for the first team, Deulofeu, 23, was sold to Everton in 2015 for a modest €6-million fee.

Then-Everton boss Roberto Martinez confirmed that Barcelona included a €9-million buyback option that has since risen to €12 million, which Fernandez substantiated in March.

"This is good news for us because we can buy him back for €12 million," Fernandez told Spanish radio, as reported by ESPN FC's Ben Gladwell. "It's good that we have this possibility."

With Deulofeu's Everton contract set to expire next summer and Barcelona's aging midfield showing signs of concern, a previously unforeseen Catalan return appears nearer to reality in light of Fernandez's remarks.