Barcelona to trigger release clause of Everton flop

Barcelona are prepared to reacquire the services of Everton forward Gerard Deulofeu in a £10.5m deal this summer. The Spain international largely struggled for playing time at Goodison last season before he moved on to AC Milan on a short-term loan.

Deulofeu, 23, came through the famous La Masia academy at Barcelona, but he managed just two first-team appearances after which he sealed a permanent move to Everton in 2015.

He has since managed 75 outings for the Merseyside outfit but fell out of favour under manager Ronald Koeman during the previous campaign.

Deulofeu's loan stint at Milan proved to be a success as he contributed four league goals, and his performances earned him a recall to the Spain national team.

According to Marca, the Catalan giants will trigger the £10.5m buy option on the player's contract with new boss Ernesto Valverde keen on linking up with the 23-year-old attacker.

Deulofeu is currently with the Spain squad at the Under-21 European Championships where they are favourites to win the tournament.