Betis keen on Castro

By Francisco Acedo.   Last Updated: January 1, 1970 1:00am

Sky Bet

Real Betis are rumoured to be about to step up their bid to sign Uruguayan midfielder Gonzalo Castro.

The 21-year-old shone for Uruguayan giants Nacional last season, scoring seven goals.

His displays prompted Betis to send out scouts to watch the starlet in action and they were impressed with what they saw.

New Betis coach Javier Irureta is looking for a player in a similar mould to Castro to help the club improve on a disappointing 14th place in La Liga last season.

Negotiations have yet to begin between the two clubs but reports suggest new signings Oscar Lopez, Maldonado, Vega and Romero could be joined by Castro in Seville next season.