Source: Daily_Mail
Everton beating Manchester City and Aston Villa in battle to sign Spain starlet Sergio Sanchez
Everton are reportedly close to signing Spain Under 21 defender Sergio Sanchez.
Espanyol have confirmed they have received an offer from a foreign club for the 23-year-old but refuse to say more.
Manchester City and Aston Villa have shown firm interest in the right-back, but have not submitted a formal bid, according to Catalan newspaper Sport.
Liverpool are also said to be monitoring the situation, while Valencia and Sevilla lead interest from Spain.
He is reported to have a release clause set at about £5.1million, but he could be available for nearer to £3.5m.
Sanchez impressed last season when he became Espanyol's first-choice right-back following Pablo Zabaleta's departure to Manchester City last summer.
He was part of the Spain team knocked out in the group stage of the European Under 21 Championship group stage last month.
He had spoken of his desire to join Sevilla and play in the Champions League and is said to be wary of moving to England at this stage in his career, but they were hoping to pay nearer £2.6m for him.
Meanwhile, former Liverpool defender Steve Finnan is willing to fight for his place at Espanyol despite being told he is not in the plans of Argentine boss Mauricio Pochettino.
