Espanyol management is confident of closing a deal for Real Madrid midfielder Marcos Llorente.

While Real have intimated a reluctance to release Llorente for loan this month, Marca says Espanyol chiefs are confident a deal can be done before the deadline falls.

Espanyol are counting on Llorente recognising he won't see regular action this season under coach Julen Lopetegui and seek to be allowed to move away.

An offer of a loan deal is already on the table from Espanyol - and will remain there until the market closes.

In recent seasons, the two clubs have done plenty of transfer with the likes Kiko Casilla, Marco Asensio, Álex, Burgui, Lucas Vázquez and Jose Callejón have all exchanged clubs.