Yesterday, AC Milan’s sporting director Adriano Galliani confirmed the Serie A giants are still negotiating with Everton over the possibility of signing Gerard Deulofeu.
The Serie A giants want to sign the Spaniard on the loan, with the option to make it permanent in the summer. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Deulofeu’s move to AC Milan is complicated as Barcelona have the option to buy him back in two years.
Gazzetta say a loan deal with option or obligation to make it permanent isn’t possible, as there would be a third club which can also sign the player permanently. The way out is a ‘dry loan’ deal which means Deulofeu will return to Everton at the end of the season.
Gazzetta say AC Milan and Everton discussed the possibility of Deulofeu moving on loan yesterday.
It’s been reported both the clubs have been negotiating over the phone, and there either could be ‘white smoke’ or a ‘red light’ today.
However, Gazzetta also mention that contacts between both clubs will take place throughout the day, and it might take a while for them to wrap up negotiations.
Barcelona being dragged into it either seems a red herring or an excuse. The Spanish club have zero intention of taking Deulofeu back and wouldn’t put up a barrier to having that clause removing, preferring instead to get their 5% of any sell-on.
Milan are going through a takeover process which is dragging out. They don’t want a permanent transfer now because they can’t slip it through FFP and may not have the cash available anyway.
A straight loan, or the redemption right being on Milan’s side, suits the Italian club far more than it does Everton. A try-before-you-buy situation.
