Espanyol are reportedly looking to take advantage of an expected surplus of players at Barcelona by taking Sergi Roberto this summer.
The Catalans are seen as needing to offload a number of players in the summer when, after loaned out players return, the first team squad reaches over 30 members.
Their city rivals Espanyol reportedly see the situation as an opportunity to reinforce their squad if required.
Specifically, if Los Periquitos lose Joan Verdu on a free transfer in the summer, they will target Barca’s midfield talent Sergi Roberto.
Whilst Espnayol believe Barca as keen for the player to be loaned out next season to a club competing in Europe, they believe they can provide added value to the player’s development by the fact that he will not have to change residence to make the move.
Sporting director Oscar Perarnau is believed to also be monitoring squads this summer at Manchester City, Real Madrid, Chelsea, Milan, Porto and Bayern Munich to similarly pick up any players that are surplus to first team requirements for 2013-14.
