Espanyol striker Borja Iglesias

Real Betis talks for Borja Iglesias moving ‘very slowly’

Real Betis are in negotiations with Espanyol over the transfer of striker Borja Iglesias but reports say the deal is moving ‘very slowly’.

It is claimed by Mucho Deporte that each proposal needs to go to Espanyol president Chen Yanseng, who is currently in China, and this is leading to frustration over a deal.

Giovani Lo Celso has joined Tottenham to follow the departures of Pau Lopez, Junior Firpo and Victor Camarasa to Roma, Barcelona and Crystal Palace respectively, while Takashi Inui, Darko Brasanac, Alin Tosca, Jese Rodriguez and Sergio Leon have also permanently left the club this summer.

Iglesias, 26, only joined the Catalan club last summer in a €10m deal from Celta Vigo and he netted 20 goals in 43 appearances in his debut season.

A report in ABC de Sevilla last week claimed that “Iglesias is determined to play at Real Betis,” and has rejected other proposals to ensure a move is processed.

He starred under Espanyol boss Rubi, who has subsequently been appointed at Betis and who could prove instrumental in any such deal to the Seville-based club being processed.

“One of the things that I have never doubted is that when make a decision that it was the right one and the one I wanted,” Iglesias told La Voz de Galicia.

“My next destination? The decision is not only mine but that of my family, my friends and, above all, my agents, who know about this – they have a lot to do.”

Everton have also been extensively linked to the in-form striker although in February, he was cited as saying by Diario AS: “I see myself here and there is no reason to think otherwise, I am happy and I have a contract.”

The Galician native netted 23 goals for Real Zaragoza last season on a loan spell while the prior campaign he grabbed 34 goals for Celta’s B team.

However, Espanyol would be powerless to stop Iglesias leaving if his release clause was met and there are greater financial rewards for the player available at the clubs interested.

He is now said to be open to joining Betis, who have already signed striker Juanmi from Real Sociedad and sold Leon to Levante.

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