Real Betis midfielder Benat Etxebarria will stay at the club, despite firm interest from Athletic Bilbao, according to AS.
Marcelo Bielsa's side have been given an extended period in which to find a suitable replacement for Javi Martinez, after they complained to the Spanish League (LFP) that they did not have enough time to bring in any new arrivals, following the 23-year-old's move to Bayern Munich.
Due to Athletic's 'cantera' policy of only signing Basque-born players, there is only a limited number of option available to them – Benat being one.
But Betis have quashed rumours that he will be allowed to move to San Mames, deciding instead to offer the 25-year-old a new contract. Etxebarria responded to the speculation by telling AS, “I am calm and thinking only of Betis.”
The Verdiblancos will offer the Spain international an increased weekly wage, as well as upping his minimum fee release clause, which currently stands at €20m.
