£10M SERGIO OFF TO DEPORTIVO

News of Sergio's imminent transfer comes a week after Espanyol president Daniel Sanchez Llibre announced that nobody was leaving and that Sergio, along with Raul Tamudo, would both be present for Espanyol at the start of the season.

However, Espanyol coach Paco Flores has always said that he would expect one or maybe both players to leave.

Deportivo have tracked Sergio all summer, but last week Depor president Augusto Cesar Lendoiro upped his offer for the midfield ace.

Espanyol have reluctantly agreed to the transfer even though Deportivo's offer of 2800 million pesetas falls 1200 million pesetas short of the player`s release clause.

The presidents are discussing terms of payment, and once that has been agreed, Sergio will travel to La Coruna to discuss personal terms.

Sergio, who has been capped for Spain, was being pursued by Valencia. However, they turned their attention to De Los Santos, leaving Deportivo as his only escape from Montjuic.