Despite playing 353 minutes spread over eight games last season, Real Madrid centre-back Jesus Vallejo is keen on staying at the club next season, according to Goal.
However, Real Madrid are trying to convince the defender to leave the club this summer and the club is reportedly looking for an offer that is beneficial for all parties.
La Liga side Espanyol are reportedly interested in signing the Real Madrid centre-back and believe he can help strengthen their team next season.
Espanyol believe signing Vallejo from Real Madrid this summer is very feasible despite the player keen on staying at Real Madrid next season.
New Espanyol boss Diego Martínez managed Vallejo at Granada for a season and a half and is a huge fan of the Real Madrid centre-back.
Vallejo played his best football under Martinez and the new Espanyol boss believes he can bring out the best in the Real Madrid centre-back.
Goal adds that Vallejo’s desire to remain at Real Madrid next season is complicating negotiations.
Despite Vallejo’s reluctance to leave Real Madrid, Espanyol believe they can convince the centre-back to join Espanyol this summer.
Espanyol believe Vallejo can be signed from Real Madrid if they offer €3million.
Vallejo has a contract with Real Madrid until 2025 and is reportedly confident he can become a key player for Real Madrid.
However, the arrival of Antonio Rudiger from Chelsea makes it even more difficult for Vallejo to have minutes next season.
Vallejo will be fifth-choice centre-back for Real Madrid next season behind Rudiger, David Alaba, Eder Militao and Nacho.
Real Madrid reportedly respects Vallejo’s desire to remain at the club and are more than happy with his professionalism. However, Real Madrid hope to convince the centre-back to leave the club this summer.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid star Rodrygo has revealed Real Madrid’s biggest rival.
Rodrygo said: “If the biggest rivalry is with Barcelona or Atlético? It’s Barcelona, but I think Real Madrid has no rival, they say ‘Our biggest rival is Real Madrid’ and we don’t even care about them.”