Espanyol midfielder, Joan Verdú has recently confirmed that MLS’s, Seattle Sounders are still very interested in signing the Catalan this January, but stated that he is committed to Espanyol and confident the two sides can come to terms on a contract renewal.

• By Tom Conn       Follow @TomConnISF

Verdu rejected an offer to join the Sounders this past summer, instead opting to stay with his home since 2009, Espanyol.

Inside Spanish Football has learned that the Seattle-based club will attempt to sign Verdú yet again this January, but the Espanyol captain clearly stated that unless he cannot come to an acceptable agreement with Espanyol, he will not consider a move to Seattle.

Verdú indicated that his desire to remain at the club, despite the threat of relegation, is due to family reasons.

However, Verdú didn’t completely close the door on a move, saying he would consider Seattle if they presented him with a “good offer.”

Verdú’s contract is set to expire in June 2013, but will be able to negotiate with clubs, such as Seattle, this coming January before possibly leaving on a free transfer when his contract expires next summer.

It is likely that Verdu could use the Sounders interest as leverage to get the best deal possible from Espanyol and putting pressure on the club to get a deal done sooner rather than later.