Crystal Palace are ‘one step away’ from sealing a deal for Barcelona youngster Chadi Riad with Real Betis.
That’s according to Sport, who back up reports from England that the youngster is set to make the move to Selhurst Park.
The newspaper reports that Barcelona are ‘one step away’ from closing their first departure of the summer, and Riad will be the man on the move.
He’s spent the season on loan at Real Betis and impressed under Manuel Pellegrini’s guidance but won’t be playing for them in future or Barcelona.
Instead, it appears he is on the way to Crystal Palace, who are finalising a move for him after striking an agreement with the two Spanish sides.
Sport say while the deal has not yet been signed, there is an agreement that will see Real Betis exercise a purchase option for Riad worth €3m before then selling him to Crystal Place for €18m, around £15m.
Barcelona will receive their €3m and then 50% percent of the operation from the deal with Crystal Palace, thanks to a clause they negotiated with Betis when they let the defender move there on loan.
They’re happy to see the youngster go as his path to the first team is now blocked by Pau Cubarsí and they already have numerous centre-backs on their books.
They also welcome the small boost to their finances, which are precarious to say the least and need all the income they can get to fund their own moves this summer.
