Borja Iglesias closes in on Real Betis move

The agents of Espanyol striker Borja Iglesias are in Seville to hasten his move to Real Betis, according to Estadio Deportivo.

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.

Espanyol sporting director Rufete challenged the player’s representatives to speed up his exit, so that they can receive the funds and subsequently reinvest in other areas of their squad.

Iglesias has a €28m reléase clause at the RCDE Stadium and his move to Los Verdiblancos appears to be a matter of time, although Betis have reportedly attempted to lower the asking price.

“For us, Borja's situation is very clear – we are still in the same situation at the beginning – asking for the clause,” Rufete is reported as saying.

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.

Tags Borja Iglesias
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