Espanyol considering loan move for Madrid starlet Brahim Diaz (COPE)

New Espanyol boss David Gallego is considering loan moves for Brahim Diaz and Pablo Maffeo, according to Spanish radio station Cadena COPE.

Gallego was promoted from reserve team boss at the start of June, of the departure of Rubi to Real Betis, and he has already identified targets for their La Liga and Europa League campaigns in 2019-20.

Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane has consistently stated that he wants to keep Diaz at the Santiago Bernabeu next season, as he believes it is the best place for him to continue his development.

However, with the amount of new arrivals at the club already, and with more expected, the Frenchman made need to lighten his wage bill, and a move to Catalonia would offer the former Manchester City midfielder regular first team football.

Gallego is also reported to be keen on former Girona defender Pablo Maffeo, after he was relegated in his first Bundesliga season with VfB Stuttgart. 

The Spanish U21 international opted for a move to Germany instead of a permanent deal with Girona, after two seasons on loan at the Estadio Montilivi, and he could be moved on as Stuttgart prepare for life in the second tier.