Leeds United have now registered their interest in signing Gonzalo Garcia on loan from Real Madrid, TBR Football can exclusively reveal.
Garcia became the unlikely star of the Club World Cup for Real Madrid, and the 21-year-old striker finished as the tournament’s top-scorer.
The Spaniard scored four goals in six games for Xabi Alonso’s side whilst deputising for the likes of Kylian Mbappe, who was just returning from some illness.
Of course, Leeds are in the market for a new striker to spearhead their Premier League campaign next term.
And whilst Joel Piroe was able to score 19 goals in the Championship last season, Leeds will need a more natural goalscorer in the top flight.
Leeds want to sign Gonzalo Garcia on loan from Real Madrid
With that in mind, chief correspondent Graeme Bailey understands that Garcia has emerged as a target for a host of Premier League clubs.
Real Madrid are currently deciding whether Garcia should remain with Alonso’s side next season amid interest from English clubs over a loan deal.
Sources have told TBR Football that Leeds, Sunderland, Brentford and West Ham United are amongst the clubs to have registered their interest in Garcia.
Interest exists in Garcia from around Europe, and the striker is believed to be keen to play regular first-team football.
The 21-year-old bagged 25 goals in 36 games whilst playing for Real Madrid’s second team, Castilla, last term, hence why he was taken to the Club World Cup in the United States.
Garcia has only made 12 senior appearances for Real Madrid in total, also scoring in cup competition, the Copa del Rey.
But it’s clear that the centre-forward is ready to take the next step in his career.
Joselu thinks Gonzalo Garcia can score a lot of goals next season
On the back of his performances in the US, former Newcastle United and Real Madrid forward Joselu had some very exciting words to say about Garcia.
And the striker’s words perhaps explain why Leeds might feel that Garcia can help them stay in the Premier League next season.
Joselu said: “He’s had a spectacular campaign with Castilla. He’s a kid with a lot of goals.
“What I like most about him is his Madridism. You can see that on the pitch. He never gives up on a ball; he presses, and despite his height, he wins many duels in the air. He never gives up on a ball.
“We saw it in the first pressure of the match, when he almost slipped past the goalkeeper. He’s a profile that I think Madrid will use a lot and will bring points. I think he’ll score a lot of goals.”
Of course, Leeds might be hoping that they are now the beneficiary of those striker instincts.