Despite the club's firm stance on demanding his release clause of €38 million from Atletico Madrid, Villarreal are well aware that circumstances could change swiftly due to the Norwegian forwards strong desire for a transfer.

Recognising this, the club have began exploring potential replacements for their attack, and reports from Germany have linked them with an interest in Borussia Dortmund's promising young striker Youssoufa Moukoko, according to a report by MARCA.

At just 19 years old, Moukoko has already made waves in European football, debuting in the Bundesliga at the tender age of 16 and securing a spot in Germany's national team.

However, with Dortmund’s recent signing of Serhou Guirassy and the presence of established forwards like Niclas Fullkrug and Sebastien Haller, Moukoko has found his opportunities limited.

Seeking more game time to further his development, Moukoko has signalled a willingness to consider a move away from Dortmund. According to Sky Sport Germany, Dortmund would be open to selling the young talent for a fee between €15 million and €20 million.

Villarreal are not alone in their interest, as reports indicate that several clubs have enquired about Moukoko, including FC Girona, Real Betis, Real Sociedad, Stade Rennais, and Southampton.

Despite the competition, Villarreal’s interest is particularly notable given the potential departure of Sorloth. The contrast between the two players is significant; while Sorloth’s imposing physical presence at 1.94 metres makes him a commanding figure, Moukoko’s slightly shorter stature at 1.79 metres and youthful potential offer a different kind of promise.

In the event of Sorloth’s transfer, Villarreal are well-positioned financially to pursue Moukoko or other similar targets.

Interestingly, the two clubs are set to meet in a friendly match on 6 August, providing a further opportunity for Villarreal to scout potential new signings.

Villarreal target signing Dortmund striker Youssoufa Moukoko