Benat contract talks ‘still open’

Real Betis’ sporting director Jose Antonio Bosch has confirmed that the club are still pursuing a contract renewal with midfielder Benat Etxebarria.

Last week it was reported that the Andalucians were resigned to losing their 26-year-old creative midfield talent after so far struggling to convince him to renew his contract beyond its June 2014 expiry.

Linked with a number of clubs including Liverpool and Athletic Bilbao, Benat was reportedly the subject of a bid last summer from both the Basques and German side Wolfsburg.

Reports have been that he is unhappy at Betis’ offer of a new deal that would increase his buyout clause beyond its current €20m mark.

Whilst it is a situation that has led to subsequent rumours of his departure this summer, the club’s sporting director has today insisted that talks are still ongoing.

“The club wants to renew with Benat. He has not said no, but his agents have not said yes,” reflected Bosch to reporters today.

“Everyone will defend their legitimate interests. The club wants to extend the stay of the player at an affordable rate and the agent is trying to sell the player, whilst the player has to decide if he has better alternatives or not.

“We have a commitment to keep talking and the negotiations are still open.

“Everything will depend on the extent to which we yield in parts to one amount or another, the expectations, and the imagination that we can throw in there.

“We would not rule out, for example, renewing with the commitment that he be sold next season, we will contemplate any hypothesis.

“Events appear less predictable. I cannot rule it out if there is good will on the table. Time is not against Betis.

“We have a sporting project and therefore we did not sell him last summer. We can invest in signings by selling or reducing revenue, or by increasing sales revenue through a transfer.

“We chose not to invest because we wanted Benat and the player agreed. We have sacrificed, but enjoyed the player.

“So, at the end of the season, we’ll see if we choose not to receive any income from his sale again and have the player, or if we can reach an agreement with him in some way.”

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La Liga - Club News