Chelsea rejected by Real Betis star with £25m release clause

Jose Antonio Morante is on Chelsea’s radar (Getty Images)

Chelsea failed with an approach to sign Real Betis winger Jose Antonio Morante, according to reports in Spain.

The 19-year-old made his first-team breakthrough with Real Betis earlier this year and has made three appearances for the Spanish club this season.

In the summer, Morante was a key part of the Spain squad which won the UEFA European Under-19 Championship. He finished in the Team of the Tournament with five of his Spain teammates and ended the tournament as the joint-top scorer with four goals.

According to ABC Sevilla, Chelsea monitored Morante during the European Under-19 Championship and made an approach to the winger’s representatives in the summer transfer window.

However, Morante is understood to have personally turned down a move to Chelsea as he wants to become a first-team regular with his boyhood club Real Betis.

ABC Sevilla add that Chelsea have been ‘persistent’ with their interest but Morante has made it clear that he wants to stay with the Spanish club.

In July, Morante signed a new deal with Real Betis which keeps him tied to the club until 2030 and includes a €30 million (£25m) release clause.

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