West Ham ‘in negotiations with Spanish side to sell out-of-favour midfielder for £10.25m’ after Phillips’ arrival

WEST HAM star Pablo Fornals is allegedly on the verge of joining Real Betis.

The 27-year-old Spanish international midfielder arrived at the Hammers from Villarreal back in 2019.

RexPablo Fornals looks set to leave West Ham this week[/caption]

Since then he has made over 150 appearances in the Premier League and helped them to Europa Conference League success last term.

But the arrival of Kalvin Phillips on loan from Manchester City has added more competition for match action in midfield.

Fornals has only started four times in the top-flight already this term and has failed to score in all competitions.

And, with just six months remaining on his contract, Fornals is free to talk to clubs from abroad regarding a potential free transfer in the summer.

TEAMtalk claimed yesterday that Fornals has agreed personal terms with Betis over a switch to LaLiga.

They are managed by ex-West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini, the man who brought him to the London Stadium five years ago.

However, Fornals does not look like he will have to wait until the end of the season to seal the return to his homeland.

Mundo Deportivo claims that both West Ham and Betis are now in talks over a January transfer.

The deadline closes this Thursday and they are looking to complete a £10.25m transfer before then.

Fornals played 20 times under Pellegrini after signing for him at West Ham, scoring twice and producing three assists.