Fiorentina striker Alberto Gilardino could be leaving Italy either in January or June and move to Spain where he has raised the interest of Villarreal.

The Yellow Submarines had already approached the player last summer and according to CM.com sources, his agent met up with the Spaniards directors.

The Viola would be reluctant to sell unless they found a cheaper option in the transfer market. Last summer, Fiorentina were ready to sign Maxi Lopez from Catania and sell Gilardino to Genoa. But the Rossoblu failed to match their demands for the striker.

This time around, Villarreal could come closer to their requests while Maxi Lopez could be available at a discounted fee especially if Milan turn him down.

With Giuseppe Rossi injured until April and Nilmar on the move, Villarreal are desperate to find a valuable alternative. Gilardino, who has scored only once this season and has a contract running until June 2013, would be the perfect man for the job.