According to reports in Spain, Newcastle have ‘enquired’ about the availability of Real Betis left-back Junior Firpo – with ‘ABC Sevilla’ stating that both ourselves and Crystal Palace have been scouting the 22-year-old this season.
Firpo – or ‘Junior’ as he’s commonly known as – has been one of the best wing-backs in La Liga this season, with the Dominican born defender recently earning a call-up to the Spanish U-21 side.
The report also claims that City’s Pep Guardiola is an admirer of Junior, however the biggest obstacle may be the price Betis could demand – with the release inserted into his current contract believed to be a whopping €50m.
#NUFC are after Real Betis LB, Junior Firpo. Born in the Dominican Republic, the Spain U21 international has been in terrific form for the La Liga side, which has attracted a lot of interest from England. #MCFC have held an interest, but so does Crystal Palace. [ABC Sevilla]
— NUFC 360 (@NUFC360) December 4, 2018
His value is £13.5m according to Transfermarkt.co.uk, however I’d imagine Betis would be looking for much more than that if they were to cash in half way through their season – suggesting this may not be a realistic deal for Rafa should he be given a limited budget next month.
He is able to operate as both a left-back and left winger, with him having bagged 3 goals and 2 assists already for Real Betis this season.
