Barcelona 'to battle Manchester United for Junior Firpo'

Barcelona are reportedly preparing to battle Manchester United for the signature of Real Betis defender Junior Firpo in this summer's transfer window.

United are believed to be in talks with Betis over a swoop for the 22-year-old, who scored three times and contributed five assists in 29 appearances for his Spanish club during the 2018-19 campaign.

However, according to Sport, Barca are also interested in a move for the former Spain Under-21 international as the Catalan giants look to provide Jordi Alba with some competition at left-back.

Firpo is believed to have a £43m release clause in his current deal - which is due to expire in June 2023 - although it is thought that a bid of between £22m and £26m would be accepted by Betis.

Manchester City and Real Madrid have also both previously been credited with an interest in the defender, who only made his first-team debut for Los Verdiblancos in February 2018.