Real Madrid boss teases shock move for ex-Newcastle United man signed by Rafa Benitez

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has revealed he is a fan of Joselu as he considers a shock swoop for the former Newcastle United striker.

The Spaniard endured a difficult time on Tyneside after joining the Magpies in a £5m deal from Stoke City during the first week of the 2017-18 season.

After making his debut in a 1-0 defeat at Huddersfield Town, Joselu grabbed his first goal for the club in a 3-0 win against West Ham United before the end of his first month at St James Park.

However, inconsistent form and playing in a United side that created few chances meant scored just seven goals in 52 appearances prior to his departure to Alaves in a £2.5m deal during the summer of 2019.

A return to Spanish football brought a change in fortunes as the striker scored 36 goals and provided 11 assists across the following two seasons before swapping life at the Mendizorrotza Stadium for La Liga rivals Espanyol last summer.

Although Espanyol are at risk of relegation from Spain’s top-flight, only Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski and Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema have netted more than Joselu’s 16 this campaign.

Real are looking for a back-up option to Benzema and according to reports have identified Joselu as a potential target. The 33-year-old was previously on the books of the 14-time Champions League winners between 2009-2012 and scored on his two senior appearances.

Asked about Joselu, Ancelotti replied: “I like Joselu, but also others Aspas, Morata, to talk about the Spanish ones, forwards. Because what you tend to like is that they score goals.”

Joselu had spells at Hoffenheim, Eintracht Frankfurt and Hannover before completing a switch to the Premier League with Stoke City.

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