The Barcelona-based side had an excellent start to the Spanish season and looked on course for a top-six finish before a miserable run of form saw them drop to 12th.

But that did not stop their top players attracting interest and Hughes is understood to have travelled to Catalunya earlier this month to watch their clash with Atletico Madird.

Winger Albert Riera - strongly linked with a move to Liverpool - defender Marc Torrejon and striker Ferran Corominas are believed to have been high on Hughes' checklist.

"I know that Mark Hughes has been watching but we've yet to receive any offers," said Espanyol's sporting director Paco Herrera.

"The club is working towards a new project and it's possible that players will leave for a good price.

"Every player has their price and if we receive any interesting offers then we'll have a look before making a decision."