Laguna, Ilocos inch closer to finally settle score on Beloya's contract

By Ivan Saldajeno

MAKATI -- Stallion Laguna and Ilocos United may be locking horns on the pitch of the Biñan Football Stadium on Saturday.

But they are now close to settling something off the pitch.

Laguna coach Ernie Nierras and Ilocos mentor Tony Lazaro met on Friday at Gilligan's Greenbelt regarding the status of Joshua Beloya.

Beloya was supposed to suit up for Ilocos in its PFL debut against Davao in Bantay, but he was barred to do so as it was revealed that he was not waived by Laguna and was even listed in Laguna's lineup.

After the meeting, Nierras told a couple of sportswriters that the meeting bore fruit.

"We're now in negotiations with Ilocos for Joshua Beloya," said Nierras. "We've had a preliminary discussion. We've given them some conditions. They talked about some conditions. Both clubs agree that we want to go forward for the benefit of the player."

Despite the confusion the contract dispute for Beloya, Nierras still commended Coach Tony Lazaro and the rest of the Bantay-based squad.

"Ilocos has been very, very kind and helpful. We still allowed Beloya to train with them," continued Nierras.

He further bared that Ilocos will talk to Beloya later Friday to discuss his final decision.

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