Real Betis and Espanyol are in advanced negotiations for the transfer of striker Borja Iglesias, according to El Mundo Deportivo.
The striker’s contract contains a €28m release clause but the Catalan club are said to be willing to negotiate so they receive just €20m this summer with €8m coming next year.
However, there is said to be hope at Los Verdiblancos that they can add further instalments so that the upfront fee this time round is diluted further.
“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.”
The 26-year-old 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.
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.
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 Sergio Leon to Levante.
