Sanchez signs for Espanyol

Spanish midfielder Victor Sanchez has signed a three-and-a-half year contract with Espanyol on Tuesday's January transfer deadline day, the club announced. "Victor Sanchez Mata, the midfielder from Neuchatel, this morning became Espanyol's third recruit," the Catalan outfit confirmed. The 24-year-old had been out of contract following Neuchatel's decision to release all their players after the club had its playing license revoked by the Swiss Football League (SFL) for failing to provide the organisation with financial guarantees. Sanchez is the second player to join Espanyol from the stricken Swiss side after Nigerian striker Kalu Uche penned an 18-month deal with the club on Monday. Espanyol have also secured the services of Philippe Coutniho, with the Brazilian youngster joining on loan from Inter Milan for the rest of the campaign. Mauricio Pochettino's side are fifth in La Liga, trailing fourth-placed Levante only on goal difference in the race for the final UEFA Champions League qualification spot.