Real Betis have been joined by Swansea City in their attempts to land central defender Chico, according to Diario de Sevilla.
Chico spent last season on loan with Real Mallorca from Genoa and the Italians are demanding €4m for the Spanish Under-21 international, effectively ruling the cash-strapped Islanders out of the running for a player they would like to see return to the Iberostar Stadium.
The 25-year-old is understood to be open to a move to Betis as it is close to his native Cadiz, although Los Beticos will not pay the fee Genoa are asking, while new Swansea boss Michael Laudrup is prepared to offer up to €2.5m after coming across Chico when he was boss at Mallorca.
Betis boss Pepe Mel is looking to strengthen his defence before the start of next season after letting in 56 goals in La Liga last term, with only five teams conceding more.
