Quique Sanchez Flores key in Jese's proposed Espanyol move
Jese Rodriguez, Espanyol's 'shock' signing for next season, is taking huge steps towards the Barcelona-based side.
The club began talks to sign the Real Madrid forward a while ago, but the arrival of Quique Sanchez Flores as manager has sped things up to the point of the deal edging towards completion, as revealed by SPORT.
There's just one small detail which needs to happen first. Jese needs to reach an agreement with Madrid to extend his contract before joining Espanyol on loan. But the most important matters are already tied up - the player and Madrid are ready to do the deal.
The appointment of Quique Sanchez Flores has been key. The coach has spoken with the player and explained the project being undertaken at Cornella-El Prat. It's excited Jese. Quique wants the Canary Islander to be the reference of his ambitious team's attack next season.
Jese has been convinced and Real Madrid are in agreement. Coach Zinedine Zidane has given his approval to the operation. Now it's just a matter of Jese, whose current terms expire in 2017, extending his contract until 2021.
It's a good opportunity for everyone. Madrid have already had good experiences with sending players on loan to Espanyol and believe he will develop by playing regularly; Jese needs minutes to demonstrate his quality; and Espanyol will get a quality forward.
OPTION TO BUY
Espanyol feel the deal is almost done. They are convinced it will be completed once Jese renews with Madrid. They will pay the 23-year-old's wages and will have an option to buy. There is a great deal of excitement within the club about the move.
Jese's arrival will provide the squad with a great deal of quality. He's one of the pearls of the Madrid academy, but he needs regular football to push on, as was the case with Lucas Vazquez and, this season, Marco Asensio. As for Asensio, Espanyol will have to wait until August to see if they can sign him and Diego Llorente on loan.
