Manchester City, Aston Villa and Como are all following the young fullback this season.
Advertisement
Advertisement
And he recalled to AS this week: “Man United wanted me, just as Barcelona tried to sign me again, but I was very clear that I wanted to stay at Espanyol.
"Sometimes money can make you doubt, but it wasn’t my case, because I knew what I wanted. I preferred to be guided by the heart. I felt that I should continue here.”
El Hilali could be the next to move from LaLiga to the Serie A outfit, with his contract carrying a €15m buyout clause.