Liverpool Set To Miss Out On Reported Target As La Liga Giants Look To Close £24m Deal

Barcelona are closing in on a deal for Real Betis left-back Junior Firpo, according to reports in Italy.

The Catalan club are said to be in discussions about a €27m (£24m) move for the Spanish Under 21 international.

Liverpool were linked with Firpo earlier this summer in the Spanish press, with the player said to have a £45m release clause.

At the time, it was assumed that the Reds would not shell out so much on a reserve fullback, but if Barca have agreed a much lower price, it may present manager Jurgen Klopp with a dilemma.

Following Alberto Moreno’s departure on a free transfer, Andy Robertson is the only natural left-footed fullback in the squad.

The likes of James Milner and Joe Gomez could cover in the role but the width and crossing from both flanks was a key part of Liverpool’s attacking play last campaign.

If Robertson misses any part of next season through injury, it would seriously blunt the Reds’ attack, and considering Yasser Larouci‘s recent injury too, a move for a fullback is likely a priority. Whether they’ll muscle in negotiations for Firpo, we shall see.