Espanyol Defensive Duo Scouted By Euro Giants
REUTERS/Javier Barbancho
Manchester United are scouting two Espanyol defenders, and are set to submit bids for them during the summer transfer window.
The Premier League club has reportedly sent scout Toni Lima to Spain to watch Aaron Caricol and David Lopez in action. Both defenders have impressed for Espanyol this season, and United have been scouting them for quite some time, as per Mundo Deportivo.
Espanyol have placed their trust in Caricol and Lopez off late, and have become regular starters for the club in the La Liga. Their latest performances in a 1-0 win over Alaves last Saturday were closely watched by the Red Devils’ scout.
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Lopez, 27, is a versatile player who is currently operating as a centre-back for the club, but also can play as a defensive midfielder.
According to the report, he has a £34 million release clause in his contract, which could be easily triggered by Mourinho’s United, who have been reportedly given a large budget for the window.
Caricol plays in a role that United are struggling to find consistency in – left-back.
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Mourinho has experimented with Marcos Rojo, Matteo Darmian, Ashley Young, and Luke Shaw in the position, but doesn’t seem to be satisfied with any of them. He even publicly criticized Luke Shaw recently, giving rise to rumours that the Englishman may leave in the summer.
Caricol has made 25 appearances for Espanyol in all competitions this season, and is said to have a £25 million release clause. Again, United would have no qualms in matching this.
Lopez is under contract with the Catalan side until June 2020, while Caricol’s deal runs until 2022.
