Espanyol sign Unai Núñez on loan from Celta Vigo

Espanyol secure the signing of Unai Núñez (29) to strengthen their defence, according to Mundo Deportivo. The centre-back arrives on loan from Celta Vigo with a purchase option worth three million euros, which becomes mandatory should the Catalan side qualify for European competition.

Núñez fills the void left by Fernando Calero, whose contract expired on 30 June and who moved to Málaga. The 29-year-old defender, who came through Athletic Club's academy and earned one Spanish cap in 2019, boasts nearly 200 LaLiga appearances, including a loan spell at Valencia in the second half of last season where he impressed following Diakhaby's injury.

Espanyol will cover more than half of the player's wages, one of Celta's highest earners. According to Mundo Deportivo, several clubs including Rayo Vallecano, Valencia, Sevilla, Alavés and Osasuna chased the Basque defender, but Monchi won the race. At Cornellà, Núñez will compete with Riedel for a starting spot alongside captain Leandro Cabrera (35, the club's most-used outfield player last season).