Real cool Hermoso interest

Real Madrid have taken their pursuit of Espanyol’s Mario Hermoso down a notch, according to Marca.

The Champions League holders have been on the lookout to add a quality central defender to their ranks in order to provide some healthy competition for captain Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane, and Hermoso was among the preferred options.

However, Javi Sanchez, who recently told the club’s official website that playing at the Santiago Bernabeu was a special feeling for him, has impressed since joining the first team at the start of the season. Although he made only four appearances, two in the Copa del Rey and one in La Liga and the Champions League each, his contribution was notable and he has even got his name on the scoresheet in the second leg against Melilla in the Spanish cup.

Due to the 21-year-old already looking like an experienced player, Real might completely abandon their mission to sign Hermoso.