Gerard Deulofeu loan move an astute piece of business from AC Milan

AC Milan have confirmed Everton winger Gerard Deulofeu has joined the club on loan until the end of the season, and it's a smart bit of business from the Rossoneri.
With a squad already full of quality young players, coach Vincenzo Montella has another to work with and will hope to get the best out of him in order to push the club forward over the next few months.
Considered one of the most promising young talents in Europe not so long ago, things haven't quite gone to plan for the former Barcelona starlet over the past two years.
The appointment of Ronald Koeman at Goodison Park last summer has resulted in a limited role for him this season, and on his part, he should arrive in Italy with a huge desire and hunger to prove himself at the San Siro.
Deulofeu remains an exciting player who has yet to fulfil his potential, and it's hoped that Milan is the right setting, and Montella the right man, for him to tap into that potential over the next five months.
Given the work he has done with the current crop of youngsters at his disposal, few will argue that Montella won't be a positive influence in Deulofeu's development between now and June -- from the ongoing improvements the likes of Gianluigi Donnarumma and Alessio Romagnoli have made, to the breakthrough seen from Manuel Locatelli with Davide Calabria also back in the team in recent weeks.
While Montella hasn't been able to work miracles with M'Baye Niang, the way in which Suso has come on so far this season is arguably the biggest indication of what we can expect from the Montella-Deulofeu partnership in the weeks ahead.
After failing to make a breakthrough at Liverpool, Suso found himself with another opportunity at Milan in 2015. It didn't look particularly positive last season after he was sent out on loan to Genoa, but under Montella he has become a pivotal figure for the Rossoneri.
The Italian tactician evidently has an ability to improve young players and helps them to play with confidence to showcase their talents. If he can extract the qualities within Deulofeu, then he has another exciting attacking option at his disposal as Milan continue their pursuit of a top three finish in Serie A this season.
There will be debate as to where the Spaniard fits in, as ultimately he prefers playing on the right wing which is now effectively Suso's position barring injury or suspension.
Montella will most likely opt to play him on the left, giving him the additional threat of cutting inside, which in turn will allow Giacomo Bonaventura to return to midfield.
The versatile Italian could probably excel in any position he's asked to play, and while he does make Milan a much more dangerous side when in an advanced role, he did impress in midfield earlier this season and so it certainly gives Montella flexibility.
That of course leaves Niang as the odd man out, and unfortunately for him, his form over the past few months has led to him being the player with the most to lose in this deal.
What it means for his long-term future at Milan remains to be seen. However, it would be a shock to see Deulofeu behind him in the pecking order for the rest of the season, unless Montella opts to rest Suso and switch his compatriot across which in turn will potentially open up a spot for Niang.

Gerard Deulofeu moves to AC Milan on loan having struggled to command a regular place at Everton.

Nevertheless, it's an important addition for Milan as they needed more quality and depth in those wide positions. This squad is far from complete, but from what we've seen so far this season, those are two key roles with Montella placing so much emphasis on his wide players being his creative sparks.
Further, with Deulofeu and Suso on either flank, it should hopefully lead to more service for the likes of Carlos Bacca and Gianluca Lapadula. However, time will tell if this will work out as hoped.
As for the detractors making naive comments about how this signals just how far Milan have fallen, in that they are now loaning players from a Premier League side not considered one of the main contenders, it's a pointless debate.
The Italian giants have been a shadow of their former selves in recent years with mismanagement and financial limitations seeing them fall from their spot at the top of European football, and most Milan supporters acknowledge their current standing.
However, there is now a strategy in place. Without the ability to rival the rest of Europe in the transfer market, they are rebuilding with youth and with Montella overseeing the resurgence, it's an exciting time.
The one criticism of the deal is that there is no obligation or option to buy, so effectively Milan are developing a player and sending him back to his parent club. Nevertheless, Deulofeu should be hoping to become a long-term part of their push to get back to Europe's top table and he is certainly a welcome addition.