Espanyol appear to have emerged as potential suitors for Guido Carrillo, and news of increased interest should come as a boost to Southampton.

According to the printed edition of Spanish news outlet AS, as translated in a report from Sport Witness, the La Liga outfit have been offered the chance to sign the forward.

Espanyol, who are currently in the Europa League play-offs, are now ‘evaluating’ whether or not they should make a move for Carrillo, who is not in the plans of Ralph Hasenhuttl.

Read Southampton’s verdict

It’s quite surprising that a club other than Mauricio Pellegrino’s Leganes are keen on exploring the possibility of taking Carrillo off our hands.

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Espanyol had a very good season in La Liga last term, and it seems they could wish to strengthen their attacking options before the European transfer window closes at the start of September.

Carrillo scored six goals in the top flight of Spanish football in 2018/19, and whether it’s at Leganes or Espanyol, it appears most likely that if he does secure a move away from St Mary’s Stadium, he will be playing his football in La Liga once again.

Southampton might just need a tug of war to ensue over their £19 million flop. No agreement has been reached with Leganes over a deal as of yet, and time is running out as they bid to offload the 28-year-old.

The more clubs that are keen to sign Carrillo, the better. We can only hope that either Leganes or Espanyol do indeed come up with acceptable terms for a transfer, or even a loan, at this stage.

Will Saints be able to offload Carrillo this summer?

Yes

No