According to Mundo Deportivo, Everton have been told that they can sign Barcelona midfielder Andre Gomes on a permanent deal for £22.4m at the end of the season.

What's the word, then?

Gomes joined Everton on loan from Barcelona towards the start of August, with the midfielder being deemed surplus to requirements at Camp Nou.

Gomes made 31 appearances in all competitions for the Spanish champions last term, but largely struggled to make his mark and was ultimately deemed surplus to requirements for the 2018-19 campaign.

Everton won the race to sign the Portugal international, who has now played 14 times for the Toffees after appearing in their FA Cup clash with Lincoln City on Saturday.

Everton are desperate to secure the 25-year-old on a permanent contract and according to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona have revealed that the price is £22.4m.

The figure is certainly less than Everton would have expected to be quoted, but it seems that Barcelona are keen to sell at the end of the season.

Will Gomes join Everton on a permanent deal?

If Everton do have a bid accepted by Barcelona then it will be over to Gomes.

Gomes was outstanding during his two seasons at Valencia, scoring nine times in 78 appearances for Los Che between 2014 and 2016.

Barcelona signed him in the summer of 2016 and he made 47 appearances during his first campaign at Camp Nou.

Gomes went public in admitting his struggles at Barcelona last term, however, and it was not a surprise when the Portuguese left ahead of the new season.

Everton clearly have big plans for the future, but the likes of Tottenham Hotspur have also been credited with an interest.

Gomes might well believe that he deserves to be at a club playing Champions League football, but he clearly feels settled at Goodison Park and could kick off the club's spending in this summer's transfer window.