DiarioSport says Michel, who was in charge of Real Madrid's Castilla team last season, is Betis supremo Manuel Ruiz de Lopera's No1 target should Cuper fail to turn results around.

Betis fans' favourite Alfonso Perez is also being lined up by Lopera as Michel's assistant in a new-look coaching team.

Lopera is ready to gamble on youth after being disappointed by veteran coaches Cuper, Javier Irureta and Luis Fernandez in recent seasons.