Nick Ware

Mon 14 June 2021 13:10, UK

West Ham are in discussions with Barcelona over a potential transfer for left-back Junior Firpo, according to Mundo Deportivo.

The Spanish news outlet claims the La Liga giants are working on a deal for the “physically powerful” 24-year-old to exit the club for the Premier League, with Southampton also interested.

However, the Irons are considered frontrunners for his signature as they can offer Europa League football next season.

Firpo has been coveted by AC Milan but Mundo Deportivo claim Barcelona would prefer him to move to England to raise much-needed funds, as the Italian side only want to bring him in on a loan deal.

West Ham and Southampton, two clubs that have been interested in the defender for a number of weeks, are said to be “working to pay for a transfer”.

Barca outcast

Firpo starred for Real Betis during the 2018/19 La Liga campaign, earning himself a lucrative £26million [Mundo Deportivo] move to Barcelona, but he has failed to live up to his price tag, making just 24 league appearances over the last two seasons.

In fact, the Dominican Republic born player nearly made as many appearances (six) in the Champions League as he did in La Liga (seven).

11 of his 18 outings last term came in cup competitions, highlighting his inability to force his way into the side for the most important games.

But that elite-level experience could be a vital ingredient that David Moyes is looking to add this summer.

Failing to make the grade at Barcelona is no great shame given the vast array of talents on their roster, and Firpo had to battle with one of the world’s best left-backs in Jordi Alba.

He would surely represent an upgrade on Arthur Masuaku, who spent a long time on the sidelines last season with an injury.

In other West Ham news, Stuart Pearce hits back at ‘Deluded’ journalist after claim about Tomas Soucek.

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