Real Betis coach Pepe Mel has declared that in-demand midfielder Benat will not be sold for less than his release clause of €20M, sending a stark message to his many suitors.
Benat is rated as one of the brightest up and coming midfielders in the Spanish game, having made superb progress in recent years.
The 25-year-old won his first Spain cap last year in recognition of his improved play and scouts have been flocking to watch him in action for Mel’s men.
Those clubs linked with the Spaniard include English Premier League trio Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City – and with Benat’s contract expiring in 2014, interested parties have smelt a bargain.
But Mel has told a press conference that the midfielder will not go on the cheap.
"Benat’s clause is €20M and he will only leave for €20M", the Betis boss was quoted as saying by Spanish daily El Mundo Deportivo.
"Anything that means selling for less than €20M would be a disaster.
"The club has to make their point and Benat knows this. If we had another situation, it could be different, to achieve a minimum amount of money to go into the market and find a replacement, the only figure is €20M."
Benat has played 15 times for Betis in La Liga so far this season, scoring four goals and laying another five on for his team-mates, as his fine form has continued.
Mel has the side flying high, sitting fifth in the league and well in the running for a spot in next season’s Champions League.
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