Espanyol gearing up for life without Ghana midfielder Wakaso

Espanyol manager Javier Aguirre is already in the market looking for a replacement for Ghana international Mubarak Wakaso as Russian side Rubin Kazan look set to wrap up his deal this week.

The Parakeets have agreed to sell Wakaso to the petrol-rich Russian club after Wakaso refused to sign a new deal which fell short of his expectations. “Ghanaian midfielder Mubarak Wakaso, in the orbit of Russian Kazan Rubin. I have to sign a replacement in his position,” Aguirre told Mundo Deportivo.

“I also want a '9 ' with different characteristics. Thievy and Sergio Garcia have ability in the air, they can play back, although I have not given them a specific role.”

Wakaso, who was also on the radar of Inter Milan, Juventus and Swansea, was one of the club’s best players last season as they finished in mid-table. He played 26 games scored three goals and provided eight assists.