Ipswich Town and Leeds United suffer Nelson Deossa transfer setback

Ipswich Town and Leeds United may have seen Nelson Deossa at his very best, but the midfielder's impressive pre-season form has reportedly made Real Betis far less willing to sanction his departure this summer.

Representatives from both Premier League clubs were in attendance as Betis defeated Arsenal 3-1 in Dublin last week, with Deossa stealing the headlines by scoring a stunning long-range goal. The Colombian's display has only strengthened his position within Manuel Pellegrini's squad.

According to Diario de Sevilla, the 25-year-old is now significantly more likely to remain in Spain than leave before the transfer window closes.

Only a few weeks ago, Deossa appeared destined to leave the La Liga side.

A proposed move to Brazilian club Vasco da Gama failed to materialise after the two clubs were unable to reach an agreement, while the player himself is understood to have ruled out a return to South American football.

Since then, his performances have dramatically altered the picture.

Deossa has scored three goals during pre-season and has impressed Pellegrini with his work rate, versatility and growing influence within the team.

His latest performance against Arsenal came while operating as a makeshift centre-forward, a role he filled due to injuries and a lack of attacking options.

Although Betis are still expected to sign another striker, Deossa has shown he can offer much more than midfield cover.

The Colombian has impressed with his movement, willingness to drift into wide areas and ability to link play, giving Pellegrini another tactical option ahead of a season in which Betis will compete across multiple competitions.

His versatility is now viewed as one of his biggest strengths, with the midfielder capable of playing in a deeper role, as an attacking midfielder or further forward when required.

That flexibility is reportedly one of the main reasons Betis are now reconsidering a summer sale.

Ipswich and Leeds are likely to monitor Deossa's situation while waiting to see whether Betis receive an offer too good to reject before the transfer deadline. As things stand, the midfielder's impressive pre-season has significantly reduced the likelihood of a summer exit.