Everton scouts are said to have followed Hermoso ‘tirelessly’ this season.
Everton tried to sign Espanyol’s left-sided centre-back Mario Hermoso ahead of the January transfer window, according to Sport.
The report claims Everton were happy to spend €8 million [£7.1 million] on Hermoso, but the Catalans refused to negotiate as they are convinced the player’s value will continue to increase throughout the coming months.
Espanyol are said to have paid Real Madrid €400,000 [£355,000] for 50 per cent of Hermoso’s economic rights last summer.
And his release clause reportedly stands at €40 million [£35.5 million] – although Madrid can allegedly re-sign the 22-year-old for €15 million [£13.3 million].
Will Everton maintain their interest?
While the Toffees did eventually sign a left-sided centre-back in Eliaquim Mangala, the Manchester City player’s loan spell is due to expire in the summer.
And Hermoso – who appeared as a left-back earlier in his career – could again be an option should Everton opt against a permanent deal for Mangala, with Sport adding that scouts from the Merseyside club have followed the former Spain Under-19 international ‘tirelessly’ this season.
Such a move is likely to cost Everton more than £7.1 million next time around, however.
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