Eibar target Cologne central defender Jorge Mere

Eibar are hopeful of a deal for out-of-favour Cologne central defender Jorge Mere in the January transfer window, according to reports in Spain.

The Spain Under-21 international joined the struggling Bundesliga side in summer from Sporting Gijon in the summer, at a time when the Basque club were also interested.

The 20-year-old has struggled to settle in Germany and has started only one league match so far and is not thought to have a long-term future at the club.

Marca report Eibar – who are one place above the relegation zone in La Liga – are keen to strengthen their defence and Mere is their ‘undisputed’ number one target.

The club are also pondering a deal for Valencia winger Fabian Orellana, with Leganes also said to be interested.