Espanyol are favourites for Real Madrid striker Mariano Diaz.

While he has enjoyed first team action this season, including an appearance at Barcelona, Real coach Zinedine Zidane remains insistent that Mariano leave on-loan next month.

After his hat-trick in the Copa against Cultural Leonesa last week, a raft of LaLiga clubs came forward asking about a temporary deal.

Don Balon says Espanyol are in contact and favourites to sign Mariano.

Espanyol and Real Madrid have carried out several transfers in recent times. Among those being Lucas Vázquez, Kiko Casilla and Marco Asensio.