Missing out in summer, should Everton, Southampton prevent Christian Tello joining European giant?

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The Barcelona-owned winger is reportedly on AC Milan’s radar but Everton and Southampton should not let this opportunity pass them by.

Any heated debates about the perceived betrayal of Barcelona’s identity is rarely complete without at least a passing mention of Christian Tello.

A dynamic, quick-footed attacker reared in the infamous La Masia finishing school before making short strides in the first-team under first Pep Guardiola, then Tito Villanova, the Catalan-born winger looked certain to follow in the esteemed footsteps Pedro, Sergio Busquets and co.

However, six years after making his Barca debut, Tello could still be strutting his stuff for a red-striped European giant. Yet, according to Calciomercato, the 25-year-old could soon be plying his trade at the San Siro rather than the Camp Nou.

The one-time Spain international is currently embarking on a third succession season away from Barcelona after losing his place in the squad to the shady, mega money arrival of Neymar in 2013 although his up-and-down loan spell with Fiorentina in Serie A is unlikely to convince anyone at the Camp Nou that they made a mistake.

Tello has scored three and assisted three in 16 league starts and Calciomercato report that Milan see the Spaniard as a potential back-up option if they are unable to keep Everton loanee Gerard Deulofeu beyond the end of the season.

However, you wonder whether The Toffees themselves are missing a trick. According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Everton were interested in Tello in the summer before Fiorentina swooped and the winger’s speed in behind defences and excellent finishing could make him an intelligent replacement for Deulofeu. With Everton aiming to make a mark both domestically and in Europe next season, Tello could offer much-needed depth to the squad.

Furthermore, talkSPORT claimed that Southampton were interested in making a £10 million summer move and with Nathan Redmond (below) taking on a more central role, Tello could add even more incision and speed to The Saints attack. Manolo Gabbiadini, too, would undoubtedly benefit from his unselfish team-ethic and creativity.

Calciomercato claim that Fiorentina’s financial restrictions mean they are unlikely to sign Tello permanently in the summer, meaning he could be up for grabs. Everton and Southampton are masters of the bargain and could prove so again in the summer.