Sources: Aston Villa and Brighton make moves to sign Real Madrid sensation
Aston Villa and Brighton have registered their interest in signing Real Madrid striker on loan ahead of the January transfer window.
The 21-year-old has made nine appearances for Los Blancos so far this season but has struggled to make a regular impact on Xabi Alonso‘s side.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, a host of Premier League clubs are queuing up to land Garcia on loan and have been impressed by what they’ve seen from the Real Madrid centre-forward.
Football Insider revealed on 8 November that Aston Villa want to sign a striker in January, as they aim to provide some top-class competition for Ollie Watkins after a tough start.
Meanwhile, Danny Welbeck has stunned for Brighton this season, but their lack of cover and his inconsistent injury record means they are considering alternatives.
Aston Villa and Brighton race to sign Gonzalo Garcia
Despite growing interest from a number of Premier League sides, including Wolves and Leeds, Real Madrid have not made a decision about letting the striker leave in January.
There are doubts about Los Blancos’ current lack of depth in attacking areas which could see them pull the plug, but should he become available, he has no shortage of suitors.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “Garcia, young player, has found minutes hard to come by at Real Madrid this season.
“There’s no surprise it’s hard to break into Xabi Alonso’s start-studded team with the likes of Mbappe ahead of you, it’s tough to get minutes.
“He burst onto the scene over the summer, Garcia, and finished as the top scorer at the Club World Cup where he got four goals in that tournament.
“If Real Madrid are willing to loan him out, I’m sure it’s more than just Leeds will be interested in him. I believe Brighton, Villa and Wolves have all registered interest.
“A lot will depend on Real Madrid. If there’s any injuries to their forwards then it might mean there’s no chance that Garcia goes out and loan.
“So he’s probably one to keep an eye on in January, but a lot will depend on Real Madrid’s injuries, especially with Endrick leaving already.”
Leeds United provide competition in Garcia chase
Football Insider revealed on 21 November that Leeds are in the race to sign Garcia on loan given their attacking concerns so far this season.
Mick Brown warned Football Insider on 16 September that Leeds are in big trouble as a result of their lack of firepower and are at growing risk of being relegated.
However, they could be dealt a new blow as Madrid may move to block Garcia’s exit if they lose any more attacking players, with Endrick’s future currently up in the air.
Football Insider revealed on 1 November that Endrick is likely to join Lyon, in a blow to both West Ham and Man United who had been interested in the Brazil star.
An agreement over that move is now “close”, and could force Real Madrid to keep hold of Garcia despite the growing interest from Leeds United.
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