Newcastle United are interested in a swoop for Real Betis left-back Junior Firpo, according to ABC Sevilla.
The Spanish outlet reports on their website that United, along with Premier League rivals Crystal Palace, sent scouts to watch the 22-year-old at the Benito Villamarín last Sunday.
It is reported that the 6ft [Transfermarkt] flyer has an extortionate £44.6 million release clause in his contract, a fee that the likes of Newcastle would have to pay the La Liga side if they were serious about acquiring his services in January.
Firpo has started 13 league games for Real Betis this season, netting three goals in the process.
OPINION
It is not a secret that Rafa Benitez needs a new left-back in January, a priority that has gathered even greater need since the injury to Paul Dummett recently. The fact that his replacement against West Ham – Javier Manquillo – was woeful has only gone to reinforce that stance even further. However, the likelihood of the Magpies managing to secure his signature remain very slim at this moment in time. Considering that they would have to pay a fee of £44.6 million in order to sign him, they would have to smash their own transfer record by a considerable amount, and that seems unlikely with an owner who seems reluctant to splash the cash. This means that fans must not get their hopes up too much in regards to this interest as they would practially need a miracle to sign him. Nevertheless, he would be an excellent addition to the side if he joined forces.
