Real Madrid know they safely control the future of Espanyol defender Mario Hermoso.

The former Castilla stopper is being linked with a return to his old club ahead of the January market.

And despite rival interest arriving, Real know they have final say on Hermoso's future.

Sport says along with having first refusal, Real can sign the defender for a knockdown €7.5m - in contrast to rival suitors with the player's buyout clause set at €40m.

Everton and Zenit St Petersburg made attempts for Hermoso last summer, but found a deal impossible to close due to Real's influence.

Along with Real, Bayern Munich are also considering Hermoso for the winter market - though are at a major disadvantage.