Espanyol ready for Real Madrid talks over Soldado

Espanyol sports director Paco Herrera is seeking talks with Real Madrid over striker Roberto Soldado.
Soldado, outstanding this season on-loan at Osasuna, has been informed he is wanted back at Real for preseason training.

However, the forward has just over a year left on his present contract and Herrera plans to use Real's bid for defender Sergio Sanchez as leverage to take Soldado to Barcelona.

Espanyol rate Sergio in the £2 million class and will be prepared to wipe off that figure should Real include Soldado in negotiations.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid goalkeeper Kiko Casillas is close to agreeing terms with Espanyol.