Athletic bid for Benat Etxebarria

Basque newspaper El Desmarque Bizkaia understands that Athletic Bilbao have submitted an official proposal for Real Betis midfielder Benat Etxebarria.

Los Blancos are determined to reinforce the squad in the summer as key players Fernando Llorente and Fernando Amorebieta are set to leave the club.

They are following a number of players from Spanish La Liga, but Real Betis star Benat Etxebarria remains their number one target.

According to El Desmarque Bizkaia, los Leones have submitted an €8 million bid for the Spain international, but the problem is Real Betis are holding out for €12 million.

However, with the player’s deal due to expire in June 2014, los Verdiblancos seem to be running out of bargaining chips.

Benat, 26, is not interested in signing a new deal at Estadio Benito Villamarin, and looks likely to leave in the summer. Chelsea and Manchester City are just some of the clubs showing interest in the talented footballer.