Deulofeu expects 'busy' summer with Barcelona return on the horizon

Spain winger Gerard Deulofeu has hinted at a possible return to Catalan football giants FC Barcelona over the summer.

Deulofeu is currently working with the Spain squad ahead of the forthcoming games against Colombia and Macedonia, before linking up with the Under-21 squad to play in the European under-21 Championships, reports Xinhua news agency.

He had a difficult start to the season after struggling to hold down a first team spot under Ronaldo Koeman at Everton, but his career was revitalised following a January loan spell to AC Milan, to such an extent that it is now thought Barcelona may buy him back to add more options to their attack.

Deulofeu made no secret of the fact that he is expecting anything but a quiet summer.

"It's going to be a lively summer in my case. first of all I want to focus on the national team and then the Under-21s and then I will have to choose the best option for myself," Deulofeu was quoted as saying by the Spanish press on Monday.

"I am calm and I am sure everything will work out well. At times I wanted to run too much and that can be an error. Now I am in good form and enjoying it," he added.

The arrival of Ernesto Valverde to replace Luis Enrique at Barcelona could give more options to former youth team players given that the former Athletic Club Bilbao coach has long had a reputation for putting faith in young players.

--IANS

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