Liverpool transfer boost as Betis reduce asking price for defender

Real Betis have reportedly reduced the asking price for Junior Firpo who has been linked with Liverpool, Manchester United and Barcelona this summer.

The defender had been suggested as a potential solution for Liverpool as they look for a new back-up for Andy Robertson, but his €50m release clause was a concern.

Instead, Barcelona have emerged as the leading contenders for his signature, with the LaLiga champions appearing to land something of a transfer coup by agreeing an initial €27m deal with the Betis.

It was then claimed that Barca are in fact lining up alternative targets – including Manchester United’s Matteo Darmian and the Liverpool-linked Philipp Max.

Now, Spanish outlet Sport have offered an update on the situation, claiming that Betis have dropped their £32m asking price for Firpo.

Los Verdiblancos have now apparently told interested clubs that he is available for £23m (€25m), but Barca only want to spend €20m, meaning Liverpool may have a clear path.

The player meanwhile discussed his future over the weekend and admitted to being flattered by links with the Catalan giants.

“It is true that I have heard the stories of me moving to Barcelona,” he told Mundo Deportivo.

“I take real pride in this, and to be linked with a club like FC Barcelona is a compliment. But at the moment I am focused on pre-season training with Betis.

“I am so grateful to the club, because they have given me everything.”