Leandro Somoza has backed Real Betis' interest in Villarreal midfielder Juan Roman Riquelme.

Betis coach Hector Cuper wants to sign Riquelme in January and fellow Argentine Somoza said: "Hopefully Riquelme will come here.

"Yes, he doesn't run as much as others, but he has the experience of playing for Argentina and Villarreal in big competitions."