Betis in talks with Zaragoza over Garcia

Spanish first division side Real Betis are in talks with second-division side Real Zaragoza over striker Sergio Garcia, the club's official radio station reported Saturday.

Betis offered Zaragoza eight million euros (11.8 million dollars) plus another 2.5 million euros depending on his performance.

“The transfer of Sergio Garcia is not dependent on the sale of any player,” the club's main shareholder, Manuel Ruiz de Lopera, said.

Garcia, 25, was one of former Spain coach Luis Aragones' surprise additions to his line-up for Euro 2008 which Spain won.

The player scored only four goals for Zaragoza in La Liga last season but ended in strong form even though this did not prevent the club from demotion.

Zaragoza have so far managed to hold on to all of their strikers: Garcia, Argentina's Diego Milito and Brazilian duo Ewerthon and Oliveira.

Betis have so far recruited Turkish international Mehmet Aurelio from Fenerbahce, Cameroon international Achille Emana from Toulouse and Argentine defender Luciano Fabian Monzon from Argentine side Boca Juniors.

The transfer period ends at midnight on Monday.