Real Betis are reportedly favourites to sign Chelsea midfielder Mario Pasalic on loan after his move to Lazio collapsed at the eleventh hour, say reports.
According to Estadio Deportivo, the Croatian’s move to Seville ‘is closer than ever’ after the Italian giants saw negotiations fall apart despite reportedly being on the verge of completing the deal.
Lazio completed the signing of Liverpool’s Brazilian midfielder Lucas Leiva while Betis have already completed six summer incomings including midfielders Andres Guardado and Victor Camarasa.
“I can only say that there are a lot of clubs interested in Pasalic of which Betis is one,” agent Marko Naletilic told Estadio Deportivo in June.
“Betis are an important club in Spain and Europe, for whom I have great respect.”
The 22-year-old has already spent one campaign in Spain – with Elche in 2014/15 – and he scored five goals in 20 Serie A appearances for Milan last season.
Chelsea look set to take up their option of extending Pasalic’s contract – due to expire in June 2018 – by one year when the expected loan deal goes through.
