Could Deulofeu stay at Everton after all?

Gerard Deulofeu may yet stay at Everton beyond this summer after Ronald Koeman confirmed no transfer deal is imminent.

The Spaniard looked to have no future on Merseyside when he was farmed out to AC Milan on loan in January having failed to earn a regular place under Koeman.

Deulofeu scored four goals and registered three assists in 17 games at the San Siro. Milan have reportedly considered a permanent deal but yet to make a firm offer.

Meanwhile Deulofeu’s former club Barcelona have first refusal on the player as long as it’s done before July as per the terms of the deal that brought him back to Goodison Park in 2015. However, the Catalan club have yet to make a firm decision, leaving the 23-year-old in limbo.

With no deal in the pipeline Deulofeu is expected back at USM Finch Farm when the squad report for pre-season training on July 3.

Speaking about Deulofeu, who is currently with the Spain squad ahead of Friday’s game with Colombia, Koeman said:

“Deulofeu has a contract with Everton. Unless something happens he will stay.

“He needed some playing time and that was the reason we loaned him to Milan.

“If nothing changes I expect him to be at pre-season training. If something does change, then we will talk about it.”