Everton and Watford keen to lure out-of-contract Sporting Gijon defender Bernardo Espinosa to the Premier League

 

Both Premier league outfits have expressed a strong interest in the central defender but could face competition from clubs on the continent.

Espinosa, 26, is expected to be the subject of bids in January, but talkSPORT understands he will snub a new deal at Gijon to leave on a free transfer next summer.

The Colombian is being closely monitored by teams in Spain, Germany and Italy but the former Sevilla stopper has his heart set on a move to England and could agree a pre-contract in January.

Gijon, struggling in La Liga, are resigned to losing their star defender, but would rather keep hold of Espinosa in January and let him leave for nothing next summer to aid their fight for survival.