Beñat Extebarría has taken a step closer to sealing his move from Betis to Athletic de Bilbao. While nothing has been signed yet, talks have been stepped up in recent hours and the move could be made official once the season draws to a close. The negotiations were fast-tracked as soon as the Bilbao outfit secured its top-flight safety, and now the two parties are on the verge of an agreement.

The midfielder will cost a basic fee of €8 million, plus a further €5m in performance-related add-ons, which will be contingent on the achievements of both Beñat and his new club during his time in Bilbao. These figures were revealed on Wednesday night by Spanish radio channel 'Cope' and mean that, in the best-case scenario, Betis could end up netting €13 million, a similar sum to the bid tabled last year by German side Wolfsburg, an offer that the Andalusians rejected outright – ironically, just before they faced Athletic at San Mamés.

While the two clubs are trying to keep things hush-hush for the time being, MARCA can report that Beñat's camp sees the anchorman's move to Bilbao as more or less a foregone conclusion. Indeed, 'Los Leones' are believed to have agreed terms on a five-year contract with the midfielder.

Betis is keeping its counsel because the deal is still not done and dusted, but the reality is that there is little left to be done except put pen to paper.