Rabu, 31 Oktober 2012

Begiristain makes Betis star Benat his first Manchester City target

Benat Etxeberria of Real Betis
EXCLUSIVE
By Greg Stobart

Manchester City's new director of football has quickly identified one of his first targets - Spanish midfield sensation Benat.

Former Barcelona technical director Txiki Begiristain, who took up the post earlier this week, is now charged with identifying the best talent around the globe for boss Roberto Mancini.

Mancini has been handed reports on Benat, 25, who is currently hot property at Real Betis, after finally making the breakthrough into the Spanish national team this year.

Begiristain is also a big admirer of the busy playmaker, who is likened to Bayern Munich's Javi Martinez, a player City failed to capture in the summer.

The club's expanding Spanish network have been tipped off that talks over a new contract for Benat have stalled - his current deal expires in 2014 - and the player has a 20 million (16.2m) release clause.

Both Arsenal and Liverp ool have previously been linked with the player but City, aside from being able to offer Benat superior wages, have a decent relationship with Betis, having bankrolled Roque Santa Cruz's loan stay last season.

Begiristain is making swift progress in his new role after being re-united with former Barcelona vice-chairman Ferran Soriano, who was appointed as City's new chief executive in August as the club went ahead with restructuring plans exclusively revealed by Goal.com in January.

Begiristain held a similar position during seven years at the Camp Nou, where he brought in the likes of Ronaldinho, Samuel Eto'o and Dani Alves - and City hope he will have similar success at the Etihad Stadium.

Benat has started the season in sparkling form, scoring one goal and providing seven assists in seven league appearances for Betis.

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