Real Madrid close to deal for surprise Benzema replacement

Espanyol striker Joselu is close to a deal to join Real Madrid to replace the departed Karim Benzema who joined Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad.

The 33-year-old striker scored 16 goals in 33 La Liga appearances for Espanyol in the just-concluded season despite his team being relegated.

According to The Athletic, the Spain international will now join Real Madrid on a permanent deal. 

His contract at Espanyol has a clause stipulating that he could leave on loan for a year if a team paid him his full salary this season, but Espanyol would have a final say in keeping him if they could pay him the full amount from this campaign.