Guido Carrillo is willing to join Espanyol this summer, according to Pericos Online, as reported by Sport Witness, and this should come as a boost for Southampton.

Leganes had appeared to be the only likely destination for the 28-year-old in the final two weeks of the European transfer window, but it seems their La Liga counterparts have stolen a march in the race for his signature.

Carrillo could also complete a permanent move to Espanyol, with the report suggesting that the club would be in a position to fund deals for both the Saints striker and Jonathan Calleri.

Read Southampton’s verdict

Well, it’s certainly a surprise to see that there’s more than one club going after Carrillo! He’s the one player who I had serious doubts about, with regards to our efforts to trim the squad of its deadwood.

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Carrillo is seemingly still a big target for Leganes, with Mauricio Pellegrino (obviously) keen to reunite with his trusted striker. Therefore, a bidding war could – in an ideal scenario – ensue, with two Spanish clubs battling for his signature.

However, Espanyol appear to be leading the race to land the former Monaco man from Southampton, and a return to Spain now looks likely for the season ahead.

Carrillo joined Saints for £19 million in January 2018, and while it’s hardly certain that the club will recoup anywhere near the fee that they spent on him, it’s good to see that we’re taking steps towards getting his wages off the books.

Does Carrillo suit Spanish football?

Yes

No