Earlier today, we carried a report from Mundo Deportivo, who claimed Espanyol have rejected Fulham’s bid for David Lopez.
There was no mention of the fee that English club were ready to pay for the 28-year-old.
Lopez has €40m release clause in his contract and Espanyol are clear that there is no deal if potential suitors don’t pay his buyout clause.
A second report from Mundo Deportivo now claim Espanyol rejected Fulham’s initial offer of €15m. The Cottagers have improved their offer to €20m, but are unwilling to pay the player’s release clause.
Fulham’s coaches are said to want to sign Lopez, and the club will do everything possible from their end to please their staff. However, Espanyol will not consider the second offer because it is not close to their asking price.
Espanyol promised a new deal for Lopez a year ago and are yet to offer an extension. The report claims there is a growing feeling that he will stay at the club and they are not worried about the fact they could lose the versatile star.
Fulham may have got tangled up in a renewal issue.