Real Madrid join race for Carlos Espí as Levante exit nears | OneFootball

Real Madrid have entered the race for Levante striker Carlos Espí after Gonzalo’s move to Fulham has forced them to seek a new forward. Villarreal are also in the frame, with Madrid’s interest said to have surged in recent hours.

According to Superdeporte, until last Sunday Brighton and Hull City were at the front and a deal hinged only on minor details. Those proposals suited Levante and the player, but Madrid’s and Villarreal’s late arrival has changed the picture, with Madrid now the keenest.

Espí is on the verge of leaving and his future could be settled between today and tomorrow. Club and player are handling talks with mutual respect to ensure the right conditions for all.

The sense of an imminent move was evident in the last pre-season friendly against Al Qadsiah, which Espí missed by club decision to avoid risk. He has also trained apart in recent sessions to ease negotiations.

Days ago he scored in pre-season for Levante, a goal that could prove his last for the club.

Espí is in the form of his career, offering far more than goals with work outside the box and presence in duels. He was pivotal in Levante’s survival, scoring 11 in the second half of LaLiga and two in the Copa del Rey for 13 overall.

Under Luis Castro he has flourished, earning a place in Spain’s preliminary list, the reigning world champions, and attracting interest from leading European clubs.

Source: Superdeporte