Real Madrid have reportedly identified Espanyol's Joselu as a possible centre-forward signing this summer.
The 33-year-old has been in strong form for a struggling Espanyol side during the 2022-23 campaign, finding the back of the net on 16 occasions in 35 appearances, in addition to contributing four assists.
The striker has 15 goals and two assists in 31 La Liga matches this term, while he was also a regular goalscorer for Alaves in Spain's top flight ahead of his move to the Catalan outfit.
Joselu actually represented Real Madrid between 2009 and 2012, scoring 40 goals and registering eight assists in 73 appearances for their Castilla outfit.
The striker only made two first-team appearances for Los Blancos, though, scoring against Almeria and Ponferradina in the two outings in 2011.
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Joselu ultimately left Bernabeu in 2012 for Hoffenheim, and he has also since represented both Stoke City and Newcastle United in the Premier League during a well-travelled career.
According to Relevo, Real Madrid have identified Joselu as a possible acquisition this summer, with the club looking to bring in competition for Karim Benzema for the 2023-24 campaign.
The report claims that Carlo Ancelotti's side view Joselu as the ideal replacement for Mariano Diaz, who is expected to leave Los Blancos on a free transfer at the end of June.
Real Madrid remain keen on both Manchester City's Erling Braut Haaland and Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappe, but neither will be available during this summer's transfer window.
The Copa del Rey holders are said to be reluctant to enter next season with just Benzema at centre-forward, as the Frenchman has had his injury problems during the 2022-23 campaign.
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Joselu has a record of 57 goals and 14 assists in 162 La Liga appearances during spells with Real Madrid, Deportivo La Corona, Alaves and Espanyol.
The forward has also previously played in the Europa League for Frankfurt, scoring once in seven appearances, but he has never turned out in the Champions League.
Joselu still has another two years left to run on his contract with Espanyol, but the Catalan outfit are currently facing the threat of being relegated to the second tier of Spanish football.
The White and Blues are 19th in the table, four points from the safety of 17th position, ahead of their next league game against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday afternoon.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, will be bidding to bounce back from their heavy loss to Manchester City in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final when they travel to Valencia on Sunday night.
Matt Law
