Espanyol are plotting an ambitious move for Manchester United centre-back Eric Bailly, according to a report.
The Ivorian defender has not featured for the Red Devils since the start of October, which is down to a mixture of tactical reasons and injury concerns.
Bailly has been used for a total of 21 minutes in the Premier League since starting Man United's first two matches, with his most recent appearance seeing him hauled off at half time with his side 2-0 down against Newcastle United.
Catalan newspaper Sport suggests that the 24-year-old may now be offered an escape route by Espanyol, where he started his professional career four years ago.
The Periquitos are expected to lose key man Mario Hermoso to Real Madrid for around £13m and want to put that money towards snapping up their former youth-team product.
Bailly is one of a number of injury doubts for United's Premier League meeting with Arsenal on Wednesday night.
Daniel Lewis
