Everton Keen on Barcelona Wonderkid Adama Traore to Replace Deulofeu

Everton are in the race to sign Barcelona B winger Adama Traore as Gerard Deulofeu's replacement, according to reports in Spain.

Deulofeu - who spent last season on loan at Goodison Park - has been recalled by new Barca boss Luis Enrique ahead of the new season and is considered the best talent to emerge from the Catalan club's academy since Lionel Messi. The young winger played a key role in Toffees' success last season.

Even though Roberto Martinez wanted to keep him on Merseyside for another year, in an interview with IBTimes UK, Deulofeu expressed his desire to return to the Camp Nou – and since Enrique took over as new Barca coach, made Gerard's return a priority.

According to Catalan newspaper Mundo Deportivo, the Toffees and the Catalan club have held talks with Traore and are the strongest contenders to secure his services.

The report claims that Roberto Martinez has already held talks with Barca sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta as he is interested in nurturing Traore in similar fashion to how he developed Deulofeu.

The 18-year-old has attracted interest from many European clubs such as Manchester United, Southampton and Stoke City - with Louis Van Gaal and Ronald Koeman's interest linked to the winger's repuation in Holland.

Traore enjoed an excellent season with Barca B in the Second Division, making 26 appearances and scoring five goals – as well as making two first team appearances.