Real Betis hopes of replacing crocked defender Nano has been limited after a bid for Marko Babic to gain a German passport fell through.

Betis had hoped Croatia international defender Babic would be able to free up a non-European spot in their squad by getting his German papers, but it's emerged this week that the prospect is a non-starter.

Betis want to sign a new striker, but will have to limit to European-qualified targets with their three non-EU spots now filled.