Real Madrid 'leaning towards permanent deal for Joselu'

Real Madrid are reportedly leaning towards signing Joselu on a permanent basis next summer due to the striker's performances during the 2023-24 campaign.

The 33-year-old was signed on loan from Espanyol over the summer, and he has been a regular for Los Blancos this season, making 21 appearances in all competitions, scoring eight times and registering two assists.

Joselu has five goals and two assists in 16 La Liga matches this term, while he has managed three goals in five Champions League appearances, including a brace in Tuesday's 3-2 win over Union Berlin.

According to AS, Real Madrid are planning to bring in a 'Galactico' next summer, with Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappe and Manchester City's Erling Haaland both said to be admired by the club.

However, the club are also aware of their need for a second striker, and Joselu is said to fit the bill, with the Spain international proving his value during the current campaign.

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Real Madrid have the option to sign him permanently from Espanyol next year, and it is now believed to be likely that will be the case.

Vinicius Junior's injury problems this season have seen Joselu take on an even more important role, and his overall record in La Liga now stands at 63 goals and 16 assists in 181 appearances.

Joselu started his professional career at Celta Vigo before making the move to Real Madrid in 2009, but he only made two first-team appearances during his first spell at the club, scoring twice.

The forward then spent time with Hoffenheim, Eintracht Frankfurt, Hannover 96, Stoke City, Deportivo La Coruna, Newcastle United and Alaves ahead of his switch to Espanyol.

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Last month, Joselu expressed a desire to extend his stay at Real Madrid beyond this season.

"Hopefully, that is my goal (to stay at Real Madrid). I hope I can stay another year and continue enjoying this. I know the role I can contribute to the club and not all teams have a profile like mine and it is very different from everything," he told COPE.

Real Madrid remain the favourites to sign Mbappe on a free transfer from PSG despite the recent speculation surrounding a move for Haaland.

Mbappe is not expected to extend his deal with the French champions in 2024, and despite alleged interest from the Premier League, Real Madrid are still his most likely destination.

Joselu has also scored five times in nine caps for Spain this year, with the forward expected to be a part of the La Roja squad for next summer's European Championship.