Real Madrid looking at veteran La Liga striker to back up Karim Benzema next season

Real Madrid are looking at another veteran striker to loosen the load on Karim Benzema next season, with the Frenchman struggling with injuries this campaign.

As per Relevo, Los Blancos are looking into the former Real Madrid Castilla striker Joselu Mato, currently of Espanyol. The imposing 33-year-old has become one of the most lethal goalscorers in Spain over the last few seasons, despite not playing in successful teams.

He is the top scorer for his Espanyol side this season, with 15 goals, and Los Blancos feel he would fit in with the culture at the club. Having come through the system at the club, Joselu is aware of the demands of the club, the pressure and would suit the profile that Mariano Diaz was meant to bring – he will leave this summer.

Joselu stands out for his excellent finishing, but also leads the line well for Espanyol. Strong in the air, good at instinctive finishes, and capable of holding the ball up, Los Blancos like his game as something a little different, but also capable of linking attacks.

If 19th-placed Espanyol go down, he is also likely to be on the cheaper end of what Real Madrid might have to pay for an effective back up to Benzema. He was also capped by Spain for the first time in March, registering a brace on his debut. Yet given his age, and stage of his career, they believe he would be happy to accept a secondary role.

Signing Joselu might not be the most glamorous name for Madridistas to get behind, but Joselu does have a proven track record of scoring goals, even in teams without much service. A handful for any defence on his day, his fight and ruthlessness in the box is not something that Los Blancos have in their squad currently. Equally, with many teams sequestered in their own area to defend Real Madrid, Joselu’s aerial prowess would make that strategy look a little less wise.