Betis close in on Chelsea’s Pasalic

Real Betis are ‘confident’ of agreeing a season-long loan deal for Chelsea midfielder Mario Pasalic, say reports in Spain.

According to Estadio Deportivo, the Croat is ‘moving closer’ to joining Los Verdiblancos who are now focused on strengthening their midfield after signing Alaves defender Zouhair Feddal.

In fact, the paper go as far to say that the former Elche midfielder has a 'verbal agreement' with Betis vice president Lorenzo Serra Ferrer.

"We want to bring more players in for our midfield,” Ferrer explained at Feddal’s unveiling.

“You will understand that we cannot explain the details of these negotiations. Some are more advanced than others but yes, we will have more additions in this area.”

The 22-year-old’s agent Mark Naletilic told Estadio Deportivo in June: “I can only say that there are a lot of clubs interested in Pasalic of which Betis is one.

“Betis are an important club in Spain and Europe, for whom I have great respect.”

Lazio were reportedly favourites for Pasalic but any deal seems to have stalled after the Rome-based club signed Lucas Leiva from Liverpool and are focusing on other areas of their squad.

Betis have already completed seven summer incomings including midfielders Andres Guardado and Victor Camarasa.

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.

Tags Chelsea Mario Pasalic
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