Barcelona are reportedly involved in a battle with Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace for the signing of Real Betis left-back Alex Moreno.
According to Fichajes, Real Betis’s strong showing this season has put a few of their players on the transfer radar of bigger European clubs. Alex Moreno is one such start attracting interest, with Barcelona, Crystal Palace and Tottenham, all vying for his signature.
Manuel Pellegrini has led Betis brilliantly over the past two seasons. The Verdiblancos are currently fifth in the La Liga table to follow up on a sixth-placed finish last season. They are just four points off Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Sevilla, who are all tied on 57 points.
As for Moreno, since joining Betis from Rayo Vallecano in 2019, the 28-year-old has established himself at the left-back spot. This season, especially, has been Moreno’s best at the Spanish club, and he has played an integral role in Betis’s superior performances this season.
In 36 matches across competitions for the Spanish club, the left-back has scored five and assisted five goals. While his attacking play had always been a strength, Pellegrini has worked on Moreno’s defensive ability, which has helped the Spanish defender improve a lot this season. It comes as no surprise that the defender is attracting interest from all over Europe.
Barcelona are one of the many potential suitors. The Blaugrana are on the lookout for a long-term replacement for Jordi Alba, who is not getting any younger. Xavi is hoping to get Moreno on board to provide competition to Alba and eventually take over from him as Barcelona’s first-choice left-back.
Tottenham Hotspur, on the other hand, are set to back manager Antonio Conte in the upcoming summer transfer window. Spurs currently have Ben Davies as their first-choice left-back and the Italian tactician is eager to add competition for the spot. Moreno’s attacking instincts will do him good in English football as well if joins Tottenham.
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Crystal Palace were interested in the defender two seasons ago, but a move did not come to fruition. They are ready to make another approach this summer but face the daunting task of beating Barcelona and Tottenham for his signature. Moreno will have three years remaining on his Betis contract after the current season, and it will be interesting to see if he joins any of the three clubs in the summer..