Defender Diego Colotto joins Espanyol

Espanyol have completed their first signing of the summer with the capture of defender Diego Colotto on a free transfer from Deportivo La Coruna. The 31-year-old played 77 times in La Liga during his first three years at Depor and was also part of the Segunda Division title-winning side in 2011/12, the Galicians earning promotion back to the top flight at the first time of asking. However, despite that success, the Argentinian admitted the opportunity to link up with his compatriot Mauricio Pochettino, the Espanyol coach, was too great to turn down. He told AS: "It has been a difficult decision for me because Deportivo is my home. They opened the door to Europe for me and I am very thankful, but then this possibility arose and I think I have done the right thing. "It is important to have a winner as a coach and someone who is demanding of his players, someone that always wants more. I am coming here with the idea of growing as a player and improving an already-consolidated group. I want to fight for important goals this season." Colotto could turn out to be a replacement for Jordi Amat, who is attracting interest from city rivals Barcelona. Sporting director Ramon Planes confirmed Barça had contacted Espanyol over the possibility of taking the 20-year-old on loan for a season. Planes told Sport: "Barcelona have asked about the availability of Jordi Amat on loan. I don't know if it would be the first time that a player has left here to go on loan to Barcelona but this ought to lift the confidence of Espanyol." Amat, who made seven starts for Los Pericos in La Liga in 2011/12, is part of an emerging crop of impressive young players who have been given their chance in the first team by Pochettino. FIFA .