Tottenham raid readied as LaLiga side prepare talks; deals for Leeds Utd, ex-Arsenal stars already agreed
Real Betis are gunning for yet another signing with English connections, with a top source revealing a Tottenham misfit is next in their sights.
Betis will compete in the Europa League for the second straight season next year following their sixth-placed finish in LaLiga.
To ensure they can compete on two fronts, a recruitment drive that has its roots in England is underway.
Indeed, Fabrizio Romano recently revealed a “full agreement” to sign Leeds Utd midfielder, Marc Roca, has been struck. The 26-year-old will join on a season-long loan that also contains an option to buy.
Spanish outlet AS claimed the option will be set around the £10.2m mark, which is roughly the fee Leeds paid Bayern Munich 12 months ago.
Elsewhere, former Arsenal full-back, Hector Bellerin, will join Betis as a free agent.
Bellerin is currently unattached having seen his short-term deal at Sporting Lisbon expire on June 30. The right-back has agreed terms with Betis, though might not be the only player with north London connections to sign up.
Indeed, a fresh update from Romano revealed Betis are interested in snapping up Giovani Lo Celso.
The Spurs midfielder, 27, has spent the last 18 months loaned to Villarreal and could now return to Spain outright.
It’s Betis – not Villarreal – who are prepared to act, however, with Romano claiming Spurs have “been approached” by the club.
Two or three as yet unnamed clubs also admire Lo Celso and would consider making moves. However, it’s Betis who are keen to open talks at some stage in the next few weeks.
Whether a loan or outright sale would be on the agenda wasn’t clarified. Given Lo Celso seemingly has no place back in north London, logic dictates Tottenham would prefer a permanent exit.
In that scenario, the Daily Mail recently reported Tottenham will command between £20m-£25m for the Argentine.
Alternatively, a loan with an option or obligation to buy could be explored if Betis don’t have the financial might to seal a deal this summer.
