Everton boss Roberto Martinez has revealed that he is optimistic of retaining the services of Barcelona loanee Gerard Deulofeu beyond this season.
The 19-year-old is not said to be ready to break into the Catalan giants' first team, prompting speculation that a further a loan spell away from Camp Nou could be on the cards for the youngster.
AC Milan are among those rumoured to be interested in bringing the Spaniard to the San Siro next term, but Martinez believes that the winger's immediate future remains at Goodison Park.
"If Gerard needs another year on loan, I think it is going to be with Everton. If not, he'll be at Barcelona. I don't think he's going to go elsewhere on loan," he told The Mirror.
"When we sat down in the summer, we talked about Gerard being maybe two years away from the first team at Barcelona."
Deulofeu has made 13 Premier League appearances for the Toffees this season, scoring twice in the process.
Shane Callaghan
