With 24-year-old Brazilian centre-back, Gabriel Paulista on the verge of completing a transfer to Premier League side Arsenal, Villarreal have already identified his replacement.
Espanyol's 20-year-old Ivorian centre-back Eric Bailly is the man that El Submarino Amarillo have identified as their first-choice, and it looks as though a deal can be arranged for just under €6million euros.
Bailly has only started four games and made one late substitute appearance for Espanyol so far in this campaign, but he has made an immediate impact for Los Periquitos playing an important role in wins over Levante and Rayo Vallecano.
Bailly is currently on international duty with the Ivory Coast in the African Cup of Nations but could be on his way back to Spain tomorrow if the Elephants fail to beat Cameroon and go out at the group stages. He has started both games so far at centre back alongside Kolo Touré which is impressive as he had never been capped prior to this tournament.
It is difficult to judge how good Bailly could be but he has clearly shown enough in his few appearances to make Villarreal's scouts believe he is the man to replace Gabriel. Villarreal have a young squad and Marcelinho has shown he is not afraid to play the youngsters so Bailly will know if he makes the move down the East Coast he will have a manager that will help him reach the next level. It is also beneficial, that he has already got some experience in Spain; as well as being familiar with the country - not needing much time to adapt.