Door left wide open for Liverpool to seal bargain deal for Betis star
Real Betis have lowered the asking price for reported Liverpool, Manchester United and Barcelona target Junior Firpo – it is claimed.
The defender had been suggested as a potential solution for Liverpool as they look for a new back-up for Andy Robertson, but his €50m release clause was a concern.
Instead, Barcelona have emerged as the leading contenders for his signature, with the LaLiga champions appearing to land something of a transfer coup by agreeing an initial €27m deal with the Betis.
It was then claimed that Barca are in fact lining up alternative targets – including Manchester United’s Matteo Darmian and the Liverpool-linked Philipp Max.
Now, Spanish outlet Sport have offered an update on the situation, claiming that Betis have dropped their £32m asking price for Firpo.
Los Verdiblancos have now apparently told interested clubs that he is available for £23m (€25m), but Barca only want to spend €20m, meaning Liverpool may have a clear path.
The player meanwhile discussed his future over the weekend and admitted to being flattered by links with the Catalan giants.
“It is true that I have heard the stories of me moving to Barcelona,” he told Mundo Deportivo.
“I take real pride in this, and to be linked with a club like FC Barcelona is a compliment. But at the moment I am focused on pre-season training with Betis.
“I am so grateful to the club, because they have given me everything.”
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