Saturday, 27th August, 2011
La Liga side Real Betis are determined to investigate the possibility of signing Nicolas Anelka from Chelsea before next Wednesday’s transfer deadline.
The Spanish club, which ones boasted the likes of Denilson and Joaquin, gained promotion back to La Liga last season through winning the Segunda Division.
Betis have been bolstering their squad over the summer, but still feel short of the firepower required to really ensure the side flourish in the top flight.
Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz is a key target and Betis are confident of snapping up the Paraguayan within the next few days. Indeed, the former Blackburn Rovers striker has been undergoing a medical in Spain.
But Betis will not stop with the capture of Santa Cruz and their targeting of Anelka is an ambitious move.
The Frenchman has succeeded at Stamford Bridge since landing from Bolton Wanderers in 2008 and new Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas has not plotted his exit.
Anelka has played in Spain previously with Real Madrid, and despite this being an unhappy spell which saw the striker manage just two La Liga goals, counts in his favour with Betis assessing his likely adaptability.
What answer Betis’ enquiry will have remains to be seen, but Anelka would be well compensated and become the spearhead of the Spanish side’s attack if a move did materialise.
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