Manchester City are plotting a move for Real Betis defender Junior Firpo in the next transfer window, according to El Confidencial.
The Spanish outlet reports on its website that City manager Pep Guardiola has a strong interest in signing the young left-back from the La Liga outfit after the club scouted him extensively.
The 22-year-old’s release clause has been set at £54 million after a string of impressive performances in Spain’s top flight since making his senior debut for the club in February.
El Confidencial also claim that Guardiola is willing to meet the fee in January in order to strengthen his title challenge after telling his scouts, “tell me more things about the boy”.
Good move for Manchester City?
Yes, it would be a good move for City. Firpo has thoroughly impressed since making his debut in January, which was rewarded with a five year contract in August.
He is known to be widely versatile – he can also play at centre-back or as a winger – which would be a hugely valuable asset to Guardiola, especially if there are any injuries.
The 22-year-old ace would provide further depth to a squad already bursting with talent.
This is Futbol rating: 8/10
Likely to happen?
According to the report, Guardiola has said that he is willing to meet the release clause of Firpo in order to bring him to the Etihad Stadium.
That makes a move to Manchester City in January extremely likely, but then that would depend how accurate the report is.
They already have Benjamin Mendy amongst their ranks, so it would remain to be seen where he would fit in if he made the move early next year.
This is Futbol rating: 5.5/10