Gerard Deulofeu does not want Everton return from AC Milan

Gerard Deulofeu does not want to return to Everton this summer following his loan move to AC Milan.

The former Barcelona man spent the second half of the campaign on loan with the Serie A side after finding himself out of the first-team picture under Ronald Koeman. He impressed during his time with them, scoring four times and registering three assists in 16 league appearances.

A permanent return to the club has been mooted as they splash the cash following a takeover earlier this year. Barcelona are also thought to be in the mix and considering activating a release clause that was inserted in the deal that took him to Everton in the first place.

Both clubs are yet to show firm interest, though, and as a result, it looked like he was set to return to Goodison Park this summer.

Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images

However, that might be about to change with Gazzetta dello Sport reporting that Deulofeu does not want to return to Merseyside at any point. Instead, he has set his heart on securing a permanent return to Milan to be a part of their new project.

The news will not come as a shock to many, with Koeman having been blasé about Deulofeu since he arrived at the club last summer.

In recent days, there have been reports that Koeman could be willing to give him another chance to show his ability in the Premier League, with a view to shipping him out in January should it not work out again.

It now remains to be seen if a deal is struck with Milan (or Barcelona) in the coming weeks, or Everton may have themselves another want-away player to deal with this summer.