Adem Ljajic lined up as back-up option to Gerard Deulofeu if AC Milan fail to make Everton winger’s deal permanent

AC Milan have prepared a contingency plan in case they fail to land on-loan Everton winger Gerard Deulofeu on a permanent basis.

The Spaniard has impressed in his spell at the San Siro but he is still not expected to return to the first-team fold at Everton under Ronald Koeman.

A long-term stay at Milan has been suggested but it appears that a return to former club Barcelona is currently the likeliest outcome.

Under the terms of his switch to Everton in 2015, Barca can buy him back for just £10.3m and, as talkSPORT told you this week, it appears they are ready to do so.

And now, according to Calciomercato, Milan will turn to Torino winger Adem Ljajic, the former Aston Villa target, if Deulofeu can’t be signed on a permanent deal.

The Serbian has also played for Roma, Fiorentina and Inter in Serie A but Vincenzo Montella’s side will face competition in their endeavours to sign him.

Napoli are also interested in doing a deal and Fiorentina are considering bringing him back to Florence.