Athletic Bilbao have reportedly put in an offer of €8m to Real Betis to take back creative midfielder Benat Etxebarria this summer.
Benat was the subject of reported bids of over €10m from both Athletic and Wolfsburg last summer, only for Betis to reject them and open contract talks with the 26-year-old.
However, in light of these negotiations stalling and his agent stating that they are unlikely to be resolved, the Spain international is expected to be sold this coming summer.
El Desmarque Bizkaia say that Athletic have pre-empted increased interest in Benat, who has previously been linked with Liverpool and Arsenal, by offering Betis €8m to take back the player that left them in 2009 on a free transfer.
However, it is understood that Betis will turn down the offer as they hold him in a higher valuation. Benat’s current contract has a €20m buyout clause.
