According to AS, Real Betis have made contact with Barcelona about the possibility of keeping midfielder Carles Alena amid interest from Newcastle United.
It’s claimed that Betis want to keep Alena for another year. They took the midfielder on loan in January, in order to give him playing time.
That loan deal didn’t include a permanent clause, but Betis have already contacted Barcelona about the possibility of him staying until the summer of 2021.
Quique Setien allegedly has no plans to use Alena next season, so Barca are happy for him to go. They have considered using Alena in swap deals, which he isn’t so sure on.
Alena allegedly likes Seville, so returning to Betis is preferable. The 22-year-old has picked up two assists in 10 games for Betis, so it’s unsurprising that he wants some continuity.
Marca recently reported that Newcastle United want to sign Alena. Their report suggested that a double raid for Alena and Philippe Coutinho could materialise if the much-publicised Newcastle takeover goes through.
Newcastle would have the money to try and tempt Alena into the move, but Betis pose a real threat. It seems that Alena has enjoyed his time with Betis, and now wants to stay put.
With Betis making contact about another loan deal and Newcastle’s proposed takeover dragging on, it seems that Alena may not be heading to St James’ Park.
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