Everton failed with January move for Espanyol defender Mario Hermoso

Everton like the look of Espanyol's Mario Hermoso and tried to sign him during January. However, the Barcelona-based side refused to negotiate. They are convinced that the player's value will increase even more in the coming months. 

So, Espanyol told Everton a firm 'no' while it was still December. The English club were happy to spend eight million euros on the player but the La Liga side are waiting for his price to go above 15 million. 

Hermoso's probably the club's best bit of business this season. Jordi Lardin took a chance on the 22-year-old, who had only previously been playing for Real Madrid B and Real Valladolid.  

Espanyol spent 400,000 for 50 percent of the player's economic rights. It was a bet for the future, but the youngster's form has already confirmed the payoff. 

His contract with Espanyol runs until 2020 and his release clause is 40 million euros (which would be shared equally with Real Madrid in the case of a sale), while Madrid reserved the right to re-sign him for 15 million. 

Everton's scouts have followed Hermoso tirelessly this season. But they were not prepared to meet the demands to sign him January and Espanyol were more than happy to hold on to him.