Real Betis boss Gus Poyet has revealed that his team will 'pray every day' until the transfer window closes as they battle to hold on to 35-year-old forward Ruben Castro.
The experienced striker has represented Betis since 2010, scoring 136 times in 245 appearances for the Spanish outfit, including 124 goals in the league.
It has been reported that a number of clubs are considering making late moves for the Spaniard, and Poyet has admitted that his side would be vulnerable if a big-money offer arrived before the transfer window slams shut next week.
"Ruben has a contract with us, and at no time has he lost his head. It's an open market and things happen that I have no control over. It creates uncertainty, but I can't control it," Poyet told reporters.
"If nothing happens [before Friday] then he will be on the pitch and plugged in. I want him to stay, that I have no doubts about. Will he stay? We'll be praying every day until the 31st that nobody comes in with the millions a player like him deserves."
Castro scored 19 times in 38 La Liga appearances last season and netted twice as Betis lost 6-2 to Barcelona on the opening weekend of the 2016-17 campaign.
Matt Law
