Espanyol defender Mario Hermoso is a shock late market target for Real Madrid.

With Jesus Vallejo in talks to sign with Real Sociedad on-loan, Real Madrid are eyeing Hermoso as a replacement.

Like Vallejo, Hermoso is a graduate of Real Madrid's youth system and saw action with Castilla.

While the stopper has a €40m buyout clause in his Espanyol deal, there is also a €15m buy-back option for Real Madrid.

Real have until Friday to decide whether to re-sign the defender.