Real Betis are one of the clubs interested in a move for Leicester City forward Ayoze Pérez and could have an advantage over Roma in the race for him.
That’s according to Estadio Deportivo, who cover the potential move to the Spanish side today via information from ‘more than reliable sources’.
They explain that ‘circumstances’ have put Pérez within reach for Betis, namely the fact that he is set to leave Leicester on a free in the summer.
Such a zero-cost deal would be perfect for Betis, even if they would have to pay the forward a signing on bonus because of the lack of a transfer fee.
That, though, does not mean ‘it will be an easy operation’ to get the Spaniard as Roma are also ‘pushing’ for the player and could even pay a fee this month to get him early.
Pérez and his agents are ‘already studying the options’ available to him but are aware that Roma have made it clear to Jose Mourinho he needs to sell before he can bring someone else in. That could end up being a ‘trump card’ for Betis.
Estadio have also been in touch with his entourage, who say that the Verdi Blanca’s pursuit is a ‘justified’ one as Pérez would be ‘seduced’ by the chance of working under Manuel Pellegrini.
The Chilean is a coach that he admirers and the fact he has ‘endorsed’ his potential arrival from Leicester is a big plus point in Betis’ argument.
A move in January is not going to happen due to the finances at the club but Betis’ chances of getting him ‘would increase’ in the summer if Roma cannot move this month.
At the moment Pérez prefers to return to Spain and it would be ‘crazy’ if he could secure a move to Betis, which would be ‘a top place to play’ because of their style of football. That, and Pellegrini, are factors which could outweigh the economic one.
In other words, the Benito Villamarín is ‘emerging strongly’ as one of the destinations that ‘most appeal’ to the Leicester man as it and Betis are ‘in line with his footballing ideology’.
The move is seen as a ‘feasible marriage with mutual desire’, although Roma could spoil things if they can raise the funds and move this month.
