The Spain international has struggled to establish himself at Camp Nou and is now hoping to head back to his former employers on loan in January

Aleix Vidal appears destined to be on his way out of Barcelona during the winter transfer window, with a return to Sevilla considered to be one possibility for the defender.

Goal understands that a loan switch is the most likely option for the 27-year-old, with a lack of playing time at Camp Nou making it difficult to generate interest in a permanent transfer.

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Barca are eager to recoup as much of the €18 million they paid Sevilla for Vidal in 2015 as possible, but are aware that they may fall a little short.

In order to boost his valuation, though, the Catalan outfit need the defender to get games.

He has not figured under Luis Enrique since September - one of only two outings this season - with much of his time having been spent on the bench.

A loan move could now be beneficial to all concerned - allowing the player to get important minutes under his belt, while putting himself in the shop window for a summer switch in 2017.

According to Radio Marca Sevilla, Vidal has already been in touch with Sevilla’s sporting director Monchi regarding a possible January return.

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Fans at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan would certainly be open to welcoming him back, with his reputation having been enhanced during a productive 2014-15 campaign that saw him help the club to Europa League glory.

Jorge Sampaoli is also understood to be in the market for defensive reinforcements as Sevilla emerge as possible La Liga title dark horses, so all parties could get their wish and seal a deal benefitting all.