On Tuesday, Mucho Deporte stated Marc Roca could risk returning to Leeds United as Real Betis are growing concerned over retaining him beyond this season. The midfielder has been on loan since the last window and the La Liga side are hopeful of extending his stay.
Later that day, El Chiringuito reported Real Betis have opened talks with Leeds over a potential deal to buy the 26-year-old.
Neither of the reports had mentioned any figures and this is now pointed out by today’s Diario de Sevilla.
It’s said the purchase option is set at €12m and this could be lowered if the Championship side fail to achieve promotion back to the Premier League next season.
Therefore, both Real Betis and the former Bayern Munich man will have to wait to find out more about his future.
Daniel Farke’s side are currently third in the table, trailing leaders Leicester City by eight points.
Roca has excelled under Manuel Pellegrini this season, with four goals and an assist from 18 games. The Leeds owned player is enjoying life at Real Betis and hopes to continue with them beyond this season.
“I have fit in very well with the team, within the dressing room, I am happy in my day-to-day life, enjoying it on the pitch… We’ll see. We will see how the negotiations progress, but I am very comfortable here and very happy.
“It’s not easy to sign here and that’s it. There are many contracts, interests of each club, each one tries to get the most out of it… I’m waiting, watching from the outside. I don’t want to get involved either.
“My job is to train hard, try to contribute when it’s my turn to play and that’s what I dedicate myself to. With the trust I have with my agent, I let him do his job.”
Marc Roca is clearly happy where he is, and whilst Real Betis are also happy with the player, it’ll be interesting to see what happens as the summer gets closer.
Betis have had serious budget issues in recent years and their optimum plan would be Leeds United failing to get promotion, so Roca could then continue on loan.
