The powers that be at Real Betis have kicked into gear negotiations over a move for Alavés star Luis Rioja.
That’s according to Relevo, who have this evening provided an insight into developments behind the scenes at the Estadio Benito Villamarín.
Amid an ongoing push to secure European football for next season, Betis are hopeful of bringing in a pair of new players over the final days of the transfer window.
Talks for Osasuna frontman Chimy Ávila are ongoing, amid efforts to replace Borja Iglesias – who departed for Bayer Leverkusen over the weekend.
Should Luiz Henrique’s long-touted move to Botafogo, as expected, go through, the Verdiblancos will then also require reinforcements out wide.
In turn, it should come as little surprise to hear of talks being kicked into gear with the aforementioned Alavés, over a potential deal for Luis Rioja.
Winger Rioja has enjoyed a solid campaign to date, to the tune of four goals and three assists for a goal-shy Alavés outfit.
And such endeavours have long piqued the attentions of the Betis brass, who view the 30-year-old as the ideal mid-season addition.
It remains to be seen whether a deal can be struck, with Alavés desperate to hold onto an integral member of Luis García’s frontline.
With Rioja’s contract set to expire in 2025, and the player himself keen on the move, though, Betis remain hopeful of as much coming to fruition before Thursday’s transfer deadline.
Conor Laird | GSFN
