A state of overcrowding in the Villarreal attack is set to force one of the LaLiga club's incumbent strikers to leave the club, namely Rafael Santos Borre or Alexandre Pato.
After the signing of Adrian Lopez on loan from Porto, the Estadio El Madrigal outfit can also rely upon top scorer Nicola Sansone and Cedric Bakambu, currently at the Africa Cup of Nations, with Roberto Soldado returning from a long-term injury in the spring.
Arriving on loan from Atletico Madrid in the summer, Santos Borre is perhaps the most likely option to move on given that he's failed to really impress on the east coast, although Pato is another who's yet to hit form.
In 14 LaLiga games, the former AC Milan hitman has managed just two goals and glimpses of his previous best have been few and far between.
Coach Fran Escriba has already spoken publicly about Pato finding some sort of consistency and until then any offer that promises a profit on the 3 million euros paid by the Yellow Submarine in the summer could tempt a sale.
Galatasaray are one club circulated with regard to the Villarreal forward but a move this month seems unlikely, especially given Pato's recent affirmation to the Brazilian press that he's happy to stay put and continue his adaptation to the Spanish game.