LIVERPOOL -- Gerard Deulofeu is unlikely to return to Everton this summer because Barcelona are banned from signing anyone to replace him, according to Roberto Martinez.
Deulofeu, 21, scored four goals in 29 appearances when he spent the 2013-14 season at Goodison Park on loan from Barca.
The Catalan club then sent him temporarily to fellow Primera Division side Sevilla in August, casting doubt on his long-term future at the Camp Nou.
Spain under-21 coach Albert Celades said this week that he felt Deulofeu would have to leave Barca for the sake of his career.
However, Luis Enrique's side are , having been found guilty in 2014 of breaching FIFA rules over the signing of players under the age of 18.
Barca can still sell players under the terms of the embargo, but will not be allowed to sign anyone until 2016.
For that reason, Martinez feels that Luis Enrique would be unwilling to let players go, even if they are on the fringes of his squad.
Asked about the possibility of signing Deulofeu, the Everton manager told a news conference: "It's more rumours than anything. Gerard is a phenomenal footballer; we all know that. We enjoyed his time here. I think he enjoyed his time at Goodison, and we'll always have those memories.
"Barcelona's situation is very specific in terms of the ban that they have. So I don't think that information [about Deulofeu coming back to Everton] is accurate, knowing the situation at Barcelona.
"The only thing I can say is that Gerard Deulofeu had a fantastic time with us, and we'll always keep those memories in a good place. All the fans have great memories of him."
Everton, meanwhile, are seeking a third successive Premier League win on Saturday when they host Southampton. Victories over Newcastle and Queens Park Rangers have lifted Martinez's side nine points clear of the relegation zone.
Romelu Lukaku and Darron Gibson are expected to be available despite being forced to pull out of the Belgium and Republic of Ireland squads respectively for Euro 2016 qualifiers over the last week due to injuries.
Kevin Mirallas and Steven Pienaar are both back in training after injury troubles, and will be assessed, while Arouna Kone is fit after limping off with a knee problem at QPR.
Ross Barkley is set to play a key role against Southampton after impressing for England as a substitute in last Friday's over Lithuania and Tuesday's in Italy.
Barkley said this week that he , despite being used regularly in midfield this season.
Martinez, though, thinks that the 21-year-old will benefit from continuing to play in a variety of roles.
"At the moment, his most effective role is as a No. 10, playing off the striker," he said. "That's exactly what he said. He's an honest boy who always answers the questions.
"As Ross gets games under his belt, he could play in different positions. The attributes that he has as a player will allow him to play in different positions. Probably now, he's more effective as a No. 10, and enjoys that role. He's done that really, really well this season.
"For his development, it's important to play in different positions, and we've done that. He's improved massively in his tactical awareness by playing in different positions. I do feel that with the quality he has as an individual, he doesn't have to play in one position to have an impact on a game. That's something I see as a real strength."
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