Villarreal target Figueroa

Villarreal have lined up Luciano Figueroa as the man to replace Sonny Anderson.

Anderson left the club earlier in the week to join Qatar outfit Al Rayyan.

His move has left Villarreal chronically short of attacking options with Diego Forlan and Jose Mari the only recognised strikers at the club.

Subsequently, boss Manuel Pellegrini is looking to bring in another hit-man when the transfer window reopens, or before if he can find a suitable free agent.

Figueroa had an ill-fated spell at Birmingham last season, but has recently re-established his reputation with some eye-catching performances for his country.

He started the recent World Cup qualifier against Chile and bagged two goals in a 4-2 victory.

The 23-year-old currently plays for Cruz Azul in Mexico, but is likely to relish another opportunity to prove himself on the European stage.