Report: Villarreal want Eric Bailly

Villarreal are reportedly interested in signing Espanyol defender Eric Bailly.

The Yellow Submarine will soon be in the market for a new centre-back as Gabriel Paulista nears a move to Arsenal.

According to Inside Spanish Football, Villarreal made a £3.5m bid for Bailly, who at the age of 20, is seen as one of the stars of the future.

However, it is understood that Espanyol want the defender's full buy-out clause of £15m before sanctioning the sale.

Bailly, who is a full Ivory Coast international, has been with Espanyol since 2011.

A number of Spanish clubs are also believed to be monitoring developments.