Barcelona to use Malcom’s sale to buy Spanish left-back

Barcelona will match Real Betis’ asking price for Junior Firpo once Malcom completes a move to Zenit, reports MARCA.

The LaLiga champions have been heavily linked with a move for Firpo in the last month but have so far balked at Betis’ asking price, which is in excess of €30m (£27.5m).

Barcelona’s best offer to date is only in the region of €25m (£22.9m) and Betis will only allow Firpo to leave if their demands are met.

Ernesto Valverde’s side have been linked with a shock move for Manchester United outcast Matteo Darmian, who represents a cheaper option, but are now poised to step up their pursuit of Firpo.

Barcelona have agreed a deal to sell Malcom to Russian outfit Zenit worth up to €45m (£41.2m) and the Spanish giants will use that money to match Firpo’s asking price.

Valverde is desperate to sign a new left-back to provide competition for Jordi Alba next season and they are now closing in on the Spain Under-21 international.

Firpo made 24 league appearances for Betis last season and chipped in with three goals and four assists, while also appearing three times in Spain’s U21 European Championship-winning campaign earlier this summer.