Espanyol close on Ibarra

Espanyol are closing on the capture on Argentine full back Hugo Ibarra.

The defender spent last season on loan at Monaco where he impressed as the French outfit reached the UEFA Champions League final.

However, the 30-year-old has since returned to Porto where he has one year left on his contract but looks almost certain to move on again - this time on a permanent basis.

Espanyol have opened talks with the player's representative and are understood to be ready to propose a long-term deal.

However, Argentine outfit Boca Juniors are also interested in Ibarra, although the player is thought to prefer to remain in European football.

If Espanyol can not finalise a deal with Porto in the next few days they will attempt to conclude the transfer on their forthcoming tour of Portugal.