Athletic Bilbao have made duo Benat and Nacho Monreal their top transfer targets as Marcelo Bielsa is keen to bolster his options.

Beñat25-year-old Real Betis midfielder Benat began his career with Athletic before leaving to Betis in 2009 but has since become a key player in La Liga and his performance have won him a Spanish national call-up.

Aswell as interest from a number of European clubs, Athletic are keen to entice their former player back to San Mames as they seek a replacement for Javi Martinez who left earlier this summer for Bayern Munich.

Benat’s contract at Betis is still up for renewal but the Basque side are willing to test Betis’s resolve.

The losing Europa League finalists are also considering a £10m offer for Malaga full-back Nacho Monreal, who has been linked with the club for some-time.

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