Crystal Palace ‘offensive’ for player ‘forcing’ them to sell – Too good a deal to turn down

Crystal Palace’s ‘offensive’ to sign defender Chadi Riad is ‘forcing’ Real Betis into accepting, as it is simply too good a proposal to turn down.

That’s according to AS, who, alongside ABC Sevilla, insist Crystal Palace are very likely to be getting their man this summer.

AS explain that Crystal Palace’s efforts to get Riad will caused the expected revolution in Betis’ defence this summer.

The Spanish side have been planning changes in their backline for months and the offer put on the table by Crystal Palace for Riad will be the first step.

At the moment a deal worth around €16m is being negotiated and while half of that will go to Barcelona, who Betis also have to pay €3m first to sign Riad permanently, it’s still too good a proposal to turn down. Indeed, it is almost ‘forcing’ them to accept and push for it to be concluded.

ABC, meanwhile, report that Betis are negotiating with Crystal Palace for the transfer to take place in the coming weeks.

The Eagles have shown a strong interest in the defender and the two parties are making progress in the negotiations. It is not closed as yet but matters are seemingly proceeding in a positive direction.

Betis are currently pushing for the proposal to be greater than the initial €12m plus €2m in variables that was initially offered, and the belief is it will be closed for around €16m.

That’s enough to leave a positive framework for Betis and Barcelona, with the latter set to receive 50% of any future sale.

Either way, Betis see a deal as ‘sensible’ and are keen to see if through, largely because of the economic benefits it will bring.