Ben Sahar’s agent has confirmed that Espanyol want to sign him. Ronen Katzav said: “There is interest from Espanyol but reports that Ben has agreed terms with the club are premature.”

Having finished 10th in La Liga, Espanyol are reportedly prepared to pay Chelsea £800,000. The Blues, who paid Hapoel Tel Aviv £500,000 for the striker three years ago, are hoping he will command at least double that fee but they are unlikely to stand in his way unless better offers are forthcoming.

Katzav refused to comment on reports that he will fly to Barcelona and London next week to seal Sahar’s move to Espanyol.