Real Betis chief comments on Guido Rodriguez future amid Manchester United links

The 29-year-old's long-term future with the La Liga club is believed to be uncertain, with his contract set to expire in June 2024.

Rodriguez joined Real Betis from Mexican outfit Club America in January 2020 and has since established himself as a first-team regular as a defensive midfielder, making 161 appearances across all competitions.

The 2022 World Cup winner with Argentina has featured 17 times this season for Betis, who currently sit seventh in the La Liga table and first in their Europa League group.

Speculation over Rodriguez's future is rife, with the midfielder able to agree a pre-contract with a foreign club in January if he fails to commit his future to Betis.

Barcelona are understood to have added Rodriguez to their midfield shortlist ahead of the January transfer window, with head coach Xavi said to be determined to recruit a new deep-lying midfielder.

Man United, meanwhile, are allegedly prepared to rival the Catalan giants for Rodriguez's signature and are giving consideration to putting an offer on the table in the New Year.

However, Betis chief Planes has not given up hope of persuading Rodriguez to extend his contract with the Spanish club.

Speaking to Radio Marca on Tuesday, Planes said: "I have always said that there are two parts. The one we can influence is doing everything so that Guido can continue at Betis.

"He did it in the summer, which has a lot of merit in rejecting the offers that were made for him. It would have been easy to accept them and we didn't do it, we continue to give him that affection and that interest, those (contract) negotiations are still in force.

"Today he is here, seeing the facilities, he is a magnificent boy, on a human level, with tremendous humility, and I told him 'look, You're going to enjoy all this,' and he laughed.

"One more demonstration that we want him is that he is here today as captain of the team and that he sees that the club has a project and we would like him to be there."

In August, Rodriguez revealed that he is "happy" at Betis and would be open to penning fresh terms with the club, but he also suggested that 'certain things have to be discussed' before all parties can reach an agreement.

Rodriguez is in contention to start for Manuel Pellegrini's side when they travel to Czechia to face Sparta Prague in the Europa League group stage on Thursday.