Real Betis are exploring the prospect of bringing back Valencia winger Joaquin at the end of the season.

AS says Betis supremo Manuel Ruiz de Lopera is now stepping up his pursuit of Joaquin - quietly confident of bringing the Spain international back to Seville.

Valencia still owe £10 million to Betis as part of Joaquin's fee and their financial problems has raised the prospect of the winger returning for nothing in the summer.