23 August 2007, by Lorna Danion

Betis close in on Postiga

Spanish side Real Betis are still in the hunt for Porto striker Helder Postiga, with the Seville outfit believed to be close to meeting the Portuguese champions’ asking price.

Porto are holding out for a fee of around 3.5m euros for the 25-year-old, while Betis recently raised their offer to 2.5m euros, and hope to unite Postiga with Portuguese goalkeeper Ricardo, who joined from Sporting last month.

While Betis have other targets, such as Albert Luque (Newcastle) and Roberto Soldado (Real Madrid) it is expected that Postiga would represent the cheapest option, and the clubs are likely to come to an agreement in the near future.

Viana recovering well

Osasuna midfielder Hugo Viana is ahead of schedule in his recovery from a broken foot, and hopes to be available for selection in two weeks’ time.

The Portuguese international joined the Pamplona club during the summer on a one-year loan deal from Valencia, but was sidelined immediately after suffering a broken metatarsal in training.

However, despite having initially been told that he would face three months out of action, Viana is already in light training and should be fit to play again early next month.

“I do not have any pain and the period of rest is now over,” Viana said. “In fifteen days I hope to be training without any problems.”

Hearts’ Goncalves keen on Spain move

The agent of Hearts defender Jose Goncalves has revealed that his client is keen to leave the Scottish club, after Celta Vigo had a bid rejected for the Portugal under-21 international.

Goncalves has been an unused substitute in all three of Hearts’ league matches so far this season, but the Edinburgh club turned down Celta’s 2m euro bid, which falls short of their 3m euro valuation.

Adriano di Vittorio, who revealed that there are other clubs interested, said: “He would like to leave because he has a good offer but the president is asking for more money. The right price is always between the asking price and the bid price.

“He has been happy with Hearts but now another offer and the chance to play in another league has come, which is important. You know the situation in Scotland where there are only two teams challenging for the league.

“Jose is just 21 and he has a good offer but if Hearts aren’t happy with the fee he will stay in Scotland. I couldn’t say which way it will go at the moment.”