Klopp, Ten Hag given transfer boost as president denies Barcelona ‘contact’ for ‘important’ midfielder

Arsenal and Man Utd are two of six clubs interested in signing Real Betis midfielder Guido Rodriguez, according to reports in Spain.

The 29-year-old joined Betis from Mexican side America for €4million in January 2020.

His market value has soared throughout Rodriguez’s three years in Spain. He is now worth €28m, as per Transfermarkt.

Being a solid defensive midfielder, the Argentine has been linked with a move to the Premier League for quite some time now.

Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Man Utd have all been linked with Rodriguez, with all four crying out for someone who plays in his position.

There are several reports about the midfielder’s future with his Betis contract set to expire next year.

First up is a report from Spanish outlet SPORT, which states that Rodriguez is a target for Barcelona, but he is not Xavi’s top priority.

The La Liga leaders have also been linked with Wolves’ Ruben Neves and have made Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat their number-one target.

Rodriguez’s contract negotiations have hit a standstill because of ‘the change in the sports direction of’ Betis.

If the player decides against renewing his contract, Betis will look to sell him this summer, the report states.

Barcelona and Betis apparently have a good relationship and the Blaugrana have reached out to their La Liga rivals over the possibility of signing their No. 5.

That is what SPORT reckons, anyway. Betis president Angel Haro has actually told Mundo Deportivo that Barca have not made any contact.

He said: “He is an important player and we would like him to continue with us. The rumours that have appeared around Barcelona…what I can say is that Barcelona have not contacted us.”

‘Many wealthy clubs’ have taken notice of the Argentine international with talk of a potential move to Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool or Everton.

Barca are keen but ‘prefer’ Amrabat, Man City captain Ilkay Gundogan, and Neves.

The Spanish publication spoke to the Betis president, who once again confirmed that the Blaugrana have not made contact over the signing of Rodriguez.

There is ‘no progress’ to extend the player’s contract, though his agents are expected to fly to Seville to discuss a new deal before the end of the month.