Fabian Balbuena could be set to replace alleged West Ham target Aissa Mandi at Real Betis according to a report from Estadio Deportivo.
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The 29-year-old has left the Hammers after his contract expired at the London Stadium.
And the man who brought him to West Ham is allegedly keen to sign him once again.
Manuel Pellegrini is now in charge of Real Betis and the Chilean is clearly a big fan of the Paraguay international.
If Pellegrini does bring Balbuena to Betis, the 29-year-old will be a direct replacement for Aissa Mandi who is set to leave this summer.
The 60-capped Algeria international has been heavily linked with a move to Villarreal this summer on a free transfer (Estadio Deportivo).
But as yet, nothing is set in stone.
Fabian Balbuena joining Betis could push Mandi to West Ham
The 29-year-old was valued at around £9 million recently. He is set to leave Betis for absolutely nothing this summer, however. The centre-back has failed to agree terms on a new deal.
And it would be ironic if the Algerian ended up leaving Manuel Pellegrini to link up with David Moyes at the London Stadium.
Mandi would be a great signing for the Hammers.
The chance to sign Mandi for absolutely nothing would be one that will undoubtedly appeal to the West Ham manager and the board.
Read also: West Ham allegedly offer 23-year-old midfielder five-year deal
Mandi scored three goals in 28 La Liga games this season. In those outings, the 29-year-old averaged 1.1 tackles, 1.4 interceptions and 3.1 clearances per game. He also won an average of 1.5 aerial duals per match (Who Scored).
Snapping up Mandi on a free would make perfect sense for West Ham. Especially having lost an experienced operator in the form of Balbuena.