According to Andalucia Informacion, via Sport Witness, West Ham's Fabian Balbuena is already in talks with Real Betis after it was confirmed he will be leaving the club when his contract expires at the end of this month.

The Lowdown: Balbuena out the door...

The Paraguayan defender will be departing east London when his deal runs out on June 30, with the club sharing this news on their retained list of players.

Balbuena started the 2020/2021 season well, often slotting in to good effect, with talk of a possible new deal even surfacing at one point. 

However, as the season went on, the likes of Craig Dawson and Issa Diop jumped ahead of the 29-year-old in manager David Moyes' pecking order.

The Latest: Reunion with Pellegrini?

Now, as per Andalucia Informacion, Balbuena is 'already negotiating' with the La Liga club as he plans life away from the London Stadium.

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It is said that Manuel Pellegrini's side have made him a 'firm offer' to play at the Benito Villamarín Stadium next season with signing a capable centre-half their main priority before pre-season.

As such, Balbuena is considering their offer but also had other proposals on the table from 'various' sides.

He is apparently demanding more money for his services from Betis even though he is keen on a move to the club.

The Verdict: Good move...

After life with West Ham, seeing a familiar face in Pellegrini and plying his trade at one of the biggest leagues in Europe comes as an enticing proposition.

The 14-cap international proved his worth for the Hammers at points this campaign and could be a very shrewd signing for Betis given their apparent need for a centre-back.

Moyes apparently wants to plug his own gaps in defence with the acquisition of a fresh centre-half - alongside trying to secure a permanent deal for Jesse Lingard and, of course, signing a striker (Claret & Hugh).

We believe securing Balbuena for another year would have helped to shore up Moyes' defensive options without the need to sign a new defender, but supporters will still be wishing him well upon his departure.

In other news: 'Buzzing isn't the right word'...Many West Ham fans rave as news emerges, find out more here.