Athletic Bilbao have 27 days to sign Beñat

Athletic Bilbao are still pursuing Real Betis defensive midfielder, Beñat Extebarria as they have until September 29^th to sign players, despite the transfer window closing on 31 August.

•  By Tom Conn       Follow @TomConnISF

According to Spanish newspaper, El Economista, the LFP is considering the possibility of giving Athletic Bilbao a transfer window extension, due to the departure of defensive midfielder, Javi Martinez` unceremonious exit to German Bundesliga side, Bayern Munich, just two days prior to the close of the summer transfer window on 31 August.

If Athletic are given this extension to sign players until 29^th September, that will leave them 27 days and counting to use the €40 million to sign players.

This is rare extension is not unfamiliar, as it was first enacted on behalf of Deportivo La Coruna in 1997, when Rivaldo was sold to Barcelona for 4000 million pesetas (€20.5 million) in the closing hours of the transfer window, without leaving Depor the opportunity to replace the player.

However, according to reputable Sevillan newspaper, ABC, it appears that there is only one player that is truly on the radar of the Basque outfit, and that is Real Betis defensive midfielder, Beñat.

Beñat has made no secret about his desire to return to Bilbao, but up to this point, has firmly pledged his loyalty to Betis and has shown no signs of his eagerness to leave, as both club and player are currently contract extension negotiations.

After failed bids by Wolfsburg and Spartak Moscow, Betis has come out and stated that Beñat would not leave the club for anything less than €20 million.

The transfer window deadline came and went, and Beñat remains at Betis.

Yet, this transfer deadline extension for Athletic adds a whole new dimension, as they would be able to easily fund the requested €20 million asked of the player, while replacing Martinez` vacant defensive midfield position.

The LFP is still considering the request for the transfer extension, but if it is approved, they are likely to aggressively pursue the Spanish international.

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