IN SPORT.ES
Real Madrid continue to search for a good number nine, but one who will also come cheap. With the international avenues closed, it's time to look at options in LaLiga. They were interested in Rodrigo Moreno, who spent a year at Castilla as a youngster, but they've walked away from the deal because they feel its too expensive. According to 'El Chiringuito', Madrid have turned their attentions to Celta Vigo's Iago Aspas.
Real Madrid could already have an agreement in place with the striker and only need to negotiate a fee with Celta for the deal to become a reality. Aspas recently signed a new contract at Celta, extending his stay until 2022, and has a €40m buyout clause. Even though that appears to be a fair price in the current market, Madrid are hopeful they'll be able to reduce it to a more manageable fee.
thumbs up from LOPETEGUI
The 31-year-old Aspas fits the profile Real Madrid are looking for. He's a player that's well known to Julen Lopetegui from their time together with Spain. He's a goalscorer, knows how to play, has the required quality and would be the ideal addition to an attack which needs extra bite.
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Florentino was the person who discarded the possibility of signing Rodrigo. He called up Valencia to let them know that he wouldn't be following up his interest with a bid, much to the delight of all those at Mestalla. Aspas was someone Valencia had in mind to replace Rodrigo should he have ended up signing for Madrid.