Espanyol join race to sign Real Madrid forward Mariano Diaz?

Real Madrid forward Mariano Diaz has reportedly emerged as a transfer target for Espanyol.

Since returning to the Bernabeu from Lyon, Mariano has been starved of regular opportunities, with the Brazilian remaining out of contention since the beginning of August.

As a result of Real needing to raise transfer funds and lower their wage bill, the 26-year-old is likely to join another club during the January window.

According reports in Spain, Espanyol are ready to make a bid for the attacker as they look to move away from the La Liga relegation zone.

Despite reaching the last 32 of the Europa League, Pablo Machin's team sit at the bottom of the top-flight standings.

The report adds that Los Blancos may be willing to accept any bids in the region of £8m.