The European Champions were left with a huge gap to close after Cristiano Ronaldo left the club and joines Italian side Juventus earlier in the summer in an £88million.
Valencia striker Rodrigo has been heavily linked with a move to the Bernabueu with Los Blancos having done surprisingly little business since Ronaldo’s departure.
A move for Chelsea star Eden Hazard or Paris Saint-Germain duo Kylian Mbappe or Neymar have been mooted, but Florentino Perez has decided so far against splashing the cash.
But according to Spanish sources, Real have struck an agreement to sign Aspas. Although talks are thought to have been held individually with the player, negotiations will have to continue with Celta.
The move for Aspas would represent a surprise after he flopped at Liverpool and was sent back to Celta after just one season at Anfield. Since returning to his boyhood club, Aspas has struck 67 goals in 126 appearances.
Julen Lopetegui’s main target, the report adds, is still Rodrigo who was a part of Spain’s World Cup squad this summer.
The player is thought to have a £107.5million release clause in his contract and Valencia director general Mateu Alemany insists the player will only be allowed to leave if suitors meet the demand.
“I’m not in contact with them,” Alemany said about Real’s interest in the player earlier this week.If they offer €120million (£107.5m), there’s nothing we can do, but Rodrigo seems to be very happy and motivated here. Rodrigo is very important for us and we want him to stay.”
Owen Hargreaves spelled his worries for Real, insisting they need two attackers this month.
He said: “They need two attackers. Benzema scored a great goal and Bale looked terrific in little spells. But what happens if one of them gets injured?Asensio is a terrific player, but he’s still very young and for him to carry the load that Cristiano [Ronaldo] did is unfair. Mayoral is not proven – they need two stars, two difference makers. I would be surprised if they didn’t try to get at least one player – a Hazard type.”