Anzhi and Rubin Kazan are also in for Espanyol’s Wakaso.
Swansea City are going to face stiff competition from Russian duo Anzhi Makhachkala and Rubin Kazan if they are to sign coveted Espanyol winger Wakaso Mubarak, reports footynews24.com.
Swans boss Michael Laudrup was thought to be using his Spanish links once again to land the 22-year-old, but could be scuppered at the 11th hour by the clubs from Russia.
Juventus, Everton and Inter Milan have all also shown interest in the past but it looked as if Laudrup would make the move and pay out the £4.3m required to tempt Espanyol into selling.
The Ghanaian has been in Barcelona for one year following a move from relegated Villarreal that cost the Parakeets just £260,000.
Now 12 months on and that valuation is almost 20 times as much with Wakaso having an impressive debut campaign at Espanyol, playing 27 matches and scoring three goals as well as providing six assists.
Laudrup is probably hoping for another La Liga ‘fairytale’ signing following the success Michu had during the attacker’s first year in England.
The Spaniard was acquired from Rayo Vallecano for just £2m in the summer of 2012, but went on to score 22 times in his debut season at the Liberty Stadium.
Wakaso plays down the left-flank, often operating as part of a flat four in the centre of the pitch but also having the capability to play further up as a winger, or even tucked back as a wing-back.
The Espanyol man has earned eight caps for Ghana to date as well, netting an impressive five goals for his country.
Watch Wakaso turn on the style with a goal against Osasuna below:
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