Everton Set To Secure Return of Barcelona's Gerard Deulofeu

After several reports over the past few months, Spanish paper AS, as well as the Metro, is reporting that Barcelona youngster Gerard Deulofeu has agreed to a deal that would see him return to Goodison Park for a second season. While the deal is supposedly done but not official, all sides seem to be in agreement that another season of work under Roberto Martinez is just what Deulofeu needs.

Last month there was some consternation that Everton could lose the midfielder after Barcelona was handed a transfer ban, but the temporary suspension of the ban means the La Liga giants can go out and spend as much as they want as well as allowing them the flexibility to loan out youngsters.

Deulofeu's first season at Everton saw him finish with 4 goals in 29 matches, most of which he made an appearance in as a substitute. He appeared to hit some great form in December and January only for a muscle injury to sideline him for several weeks. After his return he still had usual moments of brilliance, but seemed a step or two off the pace occasionally.

Deulofeu had a solid and sometimes spectacular first season on Merseyside. The teenager was responsible for some truly magical moments including his goal against Arsenal in December. He was able to glide past the Arsenal defense with an ease few players can manage.

That immense pace was often tempered by some indecision on the ball. He was too quick to take a player on instead of retaining possession, and Deulofeu's defensive work probably kept him on the bench longer than he would have liked. During his second season at Goodison his decision making and defensive prowess have to be the two biggest areas for improvement.