Ronald Koeman could be in line for a shock return to Barcelona in the summer, if claims from a Dutch football agent are to be taken seriously.
Tuttomercatoweb reported that the Everton manager is being considered as a possible successor to Luis Enrique, whose contract at the Camo Nou expires in June, and Guido Albers hinted that the Catalan giants may look to employ Barcelona legend Koeman if the opportunity arises to do so.
Albers was interviewed about his client, Frank de Boer, and the chances of him making a swift return to management by taking up the reins at Barcelona. Despite dismissing those suggestions, Albers did go on to suggest that Koeman's situation is being monitored by the reigning Spanish champions.
He said: "No, I do not think (De Boer will return to Barcelona). Frank is a piece of Barcelona history, but I think the club has in mind other technicians. Like Ronald Koeman, now at Everton."
Koeman is currently enjoying a seven match unbeaten league run in charge of Everton, with the Toffees now closing the gap on the Premier League's top six in recent weeks as a result.
The Dutchman only signed a three-year deal at Goodison Park last summer, but has already been linked with a return to his former club throughout his time on Merseyside.
Premier League January Manager of the Month nominees:
Paul Clement
Mark Hughes
Ronald Koeman
Mauricio Pochettino pic.twitter.com/wHNYRCH209
Koeman played for Barcelona between 1989 and 1995 - making 222 appearances winning 10 trophies during that time - and was also assistant manager of the club between 1998 and 2000. The ex-Southampton and Valencia boss insists he is currently concentrating on his project at Everton, but has made mention of one day wanting to manage Barcelona later in his career.
Back in 2015 he said: "I think so, yes, because everyone knows what I have had with Barcelona and what Barcelona has with Ronald Koeman. Therefore, if one day in the future I can be manager there, I would love it."
Those flames have only been fanned further by Enrique, who told Barca TV last December that he was unsure over his future at Barcelona due to no contract extension being in the offing.
He said: "I have no doubt that I'm at the best team, with the best club, with the best players.
"But there is also one thing about this job that is very hard, it costs me a lot and it's a negative that I have to factor in when considering the next few seasons."
Reports have suggested that the 46-year-old's lack of discipline has led to Barcelona's superstars turning up to training whenever they want, and it remains to be seen whether he will stay with La Blaugrana past this summer.
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