Solari set for Spain return

Espanyol are hoping to pull off something of a coup by bringing former Real Madrid star Santiago Solari back to La Liga.

The Argentine winger left Real last summer to sign for Internazionale but has failed to make much impact at Guiseppe Meazza.

He has started only three league games for the Serie A titans and has found himself playing second fiddle to compatriot Kily Gonzalez for the majority of the season.

He is eager to move on to secure regular playing time and would be happy to move back to Spain where he played for over six years with Atletico Madrid and city neighbours Real.

Espanyol's talks with Inter are already at an advanced stage and a loan deal for the rest of the season is close to being finalised.

The only stumbling block to any deal is the short space of time in which to complete the paperwork ahead of Tuesday's deadline.

The Catalan outfit are keen to bring in another left-sided midfielder having themselves loaned Albert Riera to Manchester City, but will not move for anyone else if the deal for Solari fails to go through.