BILBAO CLOSING IN ON BENAT

Athletic Bilbao are closing in on the signing of Real Betis midfielder Benat Exteberria on a five-year deal, according to reports in Spain.

Beñat played with the Spanish youth teams at under-17 level. He made his debut for the full side on 26 May 2012, playing 45 minutes in a 2–0 friendly win with Serbia in St. Gallen and thus becoming the first Betis player since Juanito to don the national team shirt, nearly four years later.