New Spain call-up Mario Hermoso has insisted he will not “pay attention” to reports linking him with a return to Real Madrid.

Hermoso, 23, has excelled at Espanyol since his July 2017 switch from Los Blancos. This move ended a 12-year association for the centre-back.

Speaking to Marca, the Madrid-native refused to dwell on reports that his form at the high-flying Catalans could propel him back to the capital.

He said: “I don’t pay attention to things in the future. They can be positive or negative, it’s something I don’t like to speculate on.

“I am happy at Espanyol, they trusted me and I will always be grateful to the club. I will keep a special respect for them.

“At this point, it doesn’t occur to me to change.”

Hermoso failed to make any La Liga appearances for Madrid.

His opponents during the international break with Spain are Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.