Real Betis are chasing Malaga attacker Javier Portillo.

New Betis coach Pepe Mel hopes to make the former Real Madrid forward his first signing since his return.

The player is aware of Betis' interest and also that Mel and the sports management will hand him a first-team role in their midfield.

Those at Betis hope that Portillo will make his decision in the next few days or they will seek an alternative instead.