Celta and Depor fight for David Lopez

Galician neighbours Celta Vigo and Deportivo de La Coruna are competing for the signature of Athletic Bilbao winger David Lopez.

The 29-year-old’s versatility means he can operate on either wing yet after seeing his opportunities at San Mames limited last term, when he started just four times in 13 La Liga appearances, he may be open to a move to kick-start a career that appears to have stalled under Athletic boss Marcelo Bielsa.

According to Marca, a potential problem to any deal could be the player’s high salary, although Miguel Torrecilla and Ernesto Bello, directors of football at Celta and Depor respectively, both registered an interest by telephone with Bilbao counterpart Jose Maria Amorrortu last week.

Depor were originally favourites to land the former Osasuna player, yet Celta’s interest has increased over the last few days after they received a negative response when asking about Granada’s Fabian Orellana and Jonathan Pereira of Real Betis.

Lopez still has one year left on his contract with the Basques and does not particularly want to move away from Bilbao, despite his lack of playing time, and is hoping he can impress Bielsa enough during pre-season to warrant another chance, given that Markel Susaeta – who occupies the same position as Lopez – has three times refused the offer of a new contract since the end of last season.

Tags David Lopez Deportivo de La Coruna
La Liga - Club News