Atletico Madrid look set to sign Espanyol striker Pablo Osvaldo after they had a €17million bid accepted, according to Marca.
The La Liga outfit have long been in the market for a new striker in the wake of uncertainty over the future of Uruguyuan hitman Diego Forlan.
However, the need to reinforce their attacking options became even more urgent following the £38m departure of former club talisman Sergio Aguero to big-spending Barclays Premier League outfit Manchester City.
The Argentine-born striker, who has represented Italy at U-21 level has also caught the eye of Tottenham and Roma, but is reported to be keen on staying in Spain for the time being.
Marca further reports that Atletico are yet to agree personal terms with the player, but the club's hierarchy are said to be unconcerned about that being a significant hurdle to overcome.
Osvaldo only joined Espanyol last summer from Bologna for a fee of €4.6m, after impressing on loan, and has notched 20 goals in 44 league appearances for the club.
Atletico are looking to bounce back from a disappointing league campaign last season, where they finished 7th in La Liga and only just qualified for the Europa League.
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The La Liga outfit have long been in the market for a new striker in the wake of uncertainty over the future of Uruguyuan hitman Diego Forlan.
However, the need to reinforce their attacking options became even more urgent following the £38m departure of former club talisman Sergio Aguero to big-spending Barclays Premier League outfit Manchester City.
The Argentine-born striker, who has represented Italy at U-21 level has also caught the eye of Tottenham and Roma, but is reported to be keen on staying in Spain for the time being.
Marca further reports that Atletico are yet to agree personal terms with the player, but the club's hierarchy are said to be unconcerned about that being a significant hurdle to overcome.
Osvaldo only joined Espanyol last summer from Bologna for a fee of €4.6m, after impressing on loan, and has notched 20 goals in 44 league appearances for the club.
Atletico are looking to bounce back from a disappointing league campaign last season, where they finished 7th in La Liga and only just qualified for the Europa League.
more...
