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Real Madrid are eyeing a move for Celta Vigo striker Iago Aspas as they seek to strengthen their squad ahead of the closure of the summer transfer window, claims talkSPORT.
Los Merengues interest in Rodrigo faded when Valencia insisted the striker would not leave unless Real activated the €120m release clause in his contract.
It’s been a troubling summer for the Spanish giants. Despite solving their goalkeeper crisis by signing Thibaut Courtois, 25, the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo to Juventus left a hole in the squad which is yet to be filled.
Julen Lopetegui hopes Wales international Gareth Bale, 29, will blossom now the Portuguese star has left. However, his injury record is such that doubts remain about whether he will be able to last the season.
And not resolved who will take over Ronaldo’s goalscoring feats. The latest target is 31-year-old Aspas. A former Liverpool striker who flopped badly at Anfield where he failed to score in 14 Premier League appearances during 2013-14, Aspas turned his career around in a season at Sevilla where he netted 10 goals in 26 outings.
Since then, his three seasons at Celta yield a goal every other game in his 126 league and cup matches. He is also the cheaper option; Vigo has a €40m release clause in his contract which may be more palatable to Real Madrid president Florentino Perez.
