Real Betis coach Manuel Pellegrini insists he accepts losing players to the Africa Cup of Nations.

Pellegrini says he's a supporter of AFCON.

He said, “I don't have all the necessary information about the African Cup. But I am a defender of the national teams, they need work time and they must have their space. The one for the African teams is in January.

"You know when you hire African players that you won't be able to count on them for that tournament."

Pellegrini also said of Assane Diao and Brentford's offer: “The rumours mean that Assane has done well. We already know the financial needs of this club, if the player can be replaced and the offer exists, it will surely be finalised."

And on new signing Johnny Cardozo from Internacional, he added: “Cardoso is coming from a vacation period, he will not be on the squad list for the moment. He is young, he comes with good recommendations and I hope he will be a great contribution to us."