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When Pau Lopez returned to Espanyol from Tottenham, the Spanish media were in agreement the goalkeeper wouldn’t be staying long term and a free transfer next summer looked the likeliest outcome.

Tottenham, who had failed to agree a fee with Espanyol despite wanting to sign Pau permanently, saw the youngster slip from their transfer grip.

Despite then signing Paulo Gazzaniga from Southampton, returning for Pau, on a free, always looked quite possible, with the 22 year old the better long term prospect.

Michel Vorm would leave, Pau would be number two and potentially long term number one, and Gazzaniga be back-up.

Espanyol were expected to choose Diego Lopez as first choice, after signing him last year.

An injury to Diego Lopez changed everything. Now fit, the elder goalkeeper is finding it hard to push through Pau, who put ion another good performance at the weekend, this time against Real Madrid.

Things may be changing, because Sport claim Pau is set for renewal talks with Espanyol, aimed at extending his contract beyond next summer. If he’s first choice, there’s a decent possibility he’ll sign, regardless of an outline wish to return to England.

Everything is now a genuine option: Staying at Espanyol  and being first choice, going to Tottenham on a free, or moving elsewhere.

One thing is for sure, the more good performances Pau puts in against the likes of Real Madrid, the less likely he’d want to be a back-up… at Spurs or anywhere else.