Real Betis are ‘waiting for Everton to sign’ midfielder Guido Rodriguez after they made their interest apparent.
That’s according to Estadio Deportivo, who say the Blues have made an ‘approach’ for the Argentine midfielder.
Everton’s interest in Rodriguez was revealed by journalist César Luis Merlo last night and then followed up by Diario de Sevilla earlier today.
Estadio now provide their stance, explaining that the Spanish club are keen to bring in players this summer but need to sell first.
That is where Rodriguez and Everton come into it, with Estadio’s contacts at Betis confirming that the Toffees have ‘expressed their interest’ in him.
They have reportedly ‘asked about the economic conditions’ of a possible deal and whether Rodriguez would be open to the move.
There has been no formal offer as yet and the plan is to ‘meditate, prepare a strategy’ and then inform the parties of their plans ‘in the next few hours’.
Betis aren’t particularly against a sale for the right price and have already started to sound out potential replacements should Rodriguez depart. They also need to sell before they can buy this summer.
They currently own 70% of Rodriguez’s sporting rights after paying Club America a fixed fee of €3m plus another €3m in bonuses. The Mexican side retained 30% of a future transfer fee.
However, as Rodriguez has played 100 official games for Betis, Los Heliopolitanos have the option to get another 20% of the player’s rights at ‘a modest price’. That will allow them to ‘stay strong’ and ask for €40m plus for Rodriguez.
That’s a figure it’s hard to see Everton paying this summer given the state of their finances, never mind that Rodriguez is 28 years old.
Negotiations will need to happen to find a middle ground, then, but perhaps Betis’ need to sell can facilitate that.
