Barcelona Transfer News: Gerard Deulofeu Not Planning Everton Stay

Gerard Deulofeu has revealed he plans on making a name for himself at Barcelona, rather than chasing a second spell at Everton next season.

Speaking to Catalunya Radio (h/t Liverpool Echo), Deulofeu, currently enjoying a season-long loan at Goodison Park, states:

"

I am working every day to get back to Barcelona next season. I watch all their matches and believe that they are having a good season. My dream is to find a place in the Barcelona attacking line-up and to do that I am progressing in the Premier League.

I accepted the challenge last summer and I am happy with my decision. Now I am more mature as a person and as a footballer. Perhaps people at Barcelona do not have confidence in me, but that is normal. I am a young player and normally the coaches do not believe in the young players.

"

Deulofeu has made 18 appearances for the Toffees across all competitions this term, five of which have been as part of the starting XI, scoring three goals in the process, per Transfermarkt.

Stu Forster/Getty Images

The 19-year-old has been hailed as one of La Masia's finest products in recent years, but is yet to make a start for Barca in La Liga.

This season's temporary switch to Merseyside has allowed Deulofeu to express his talents as a more prominent part of a first-team setup, with Roberto Martinez eager to give the teenager playing time.

However, it seems Everton will not feel the long-term benefits of Deulofeu's progression, having developed enough confidence to believe a future awaits him at his parent club.

It's disappointing news for all at Everton, but a slight inevitability considering the high profile of the youngster upon his arrival at the club last summer.

Deulofeu's most recent start came during the 1-0 win over West Ham on March 1, but the Daily Mail's Dominic King says that the outing showed a selfish side of his game:

The creative asset is clearly looking to make the most of his loan spell, but there's the possibility that an overeagerness to do so could ultimately inhibit his progress.

In any case, Deulofeu's advancement will likely be a task for Gerardo Martino to take on in the near future at Barcelona, his time of development in the Premier League coming to its end in June.