Betis striker Castro close to China loan deal

File photo Ruben Castro. [Photo: eastday.com]

Real Betis' veteran striker, Ruben Castro is on the verge of completing a loan deal to Chinese Super League side Guizhou Hengfeng Zhicheng, according to reports in the Spanish press.

The striker, who with 135 goals is the highest goalscorer in Betis' history, is reported to have requested the move to play for the side coached by Spaniard Gregorio Manzano, and on Tuesday was negotiating the deal, along with his agents at Betis' Benito Villamarin Stadium.

One factor in the move, however, is that Catro is still awaiting the results of his May appearance in court on charges of mistreating his former partner. The player denies the charges, but the accusation has asked for a four-year prison sentence if he is found guilty.

Should Castro be able to complete his move, the idea is for him to play in China until the end of December and then return to Betis in January.