BAYER LEVERKUSEN SET SIGHTS ON REAL BETIS’ BORJA IGLESIAS

As reported via Patrick Berger, Bayer Leverkusen have set their sights on Real Betis striker Borja Iglesias.

With current starting striker Victor Boniface sidelined with an injury picked up while on international duty with Nigeria at the African Cup of Nations, Die Werkself are looking to reinforce their attacking line.

It is understood by Spanish media that the current Bundesliga leaders have identified the 31-year-old striker as a suitable target. Leverkusen are looking to secure Iglesias on a loan until the end of the season, with a potential option to buy inserted into the deal, but negotiations are ongoing.

While Patrik Schick has been filling in the void left by Boniface, the Czech striker has been unable to offer the same influence that the Nigerian often does for the Werkself. A return of three goals in his last three league games does resemble a respectable return for Schick, but all three came against Bochum, and up against Leipzig, he failed to effect the game, ending without registering a shot on target.

As for Iglesias, while he has been unable to find the back of the net this campaign, last season, he scored 15 goals in the Spanish top flight after receiving far greater game time. As well as this, Iglesias is a striker who likes to link up play in the attacking third, something that Xabi Alonso will value highly, meaning that it could be worth the gamble for the Werkself as they seek to claim their first Bundesliga title.