Real Betis appear to have won the race to sign Rayo Vallecano defender Alex Moreno who admits: “It’s time for a new challenge.”
The 25-year-old has been one of the standout players for relegated Rayo this season and appears likely to depart following their demotion back to the second tier.
Moreno could provide back-up to Betis wing-back Junior Firpo, whose own future appears to be unclear with clubs monitoring his €50m release clause.
Betis are short in the wing-back position with Emerson, who arrived on loan in January, set to join Barcelona this summer.
It is said that Los Verdiblancos are prepared to pay €6m-8m for a player who has already signed a five-year deal with the club, although Rayo are asking for €10m.
“It's time to take a step forward in my career and look for new challenges,” Moreno told El Mundo Deportivo, as cited by Marca.
Moreno has appeared in 36 of Rayo’s 38 league matches last campaign and generally impressed in a side who have languished near the foot of the table all season.
He has scored one goal and provided two assists this campaign – he was converted from a winger into a full-back in Vallecas.
