Espanyol coach Lotina delays talks for Real Madrid's Celades

Espanyol coach Miguel Angel Lotina has put a hold on negotiations with Real Madrid midfielder Alberto Celades.

Celades is off contract in the summer and is free to speak with rival clubs. Lotina is keen, but his No1 midfield target is Malaga's Miguel Angel and he wants to see if a deal can be struck before turning to Celades.

The danger is that Espanyol could miss out on both players, with Aston Villa and Middlesbrough chasing Celades, while Seville and Real Betis have expressed interest in Miguel Angel.