Junior Firpo reveals Real Madrid affection

Real Betis defender Junior Firpo has said that he feels "closer to Real Madrid" as his father supports the club.

Junior only made his first-team debut for Betis in February but has already scored five times in 32 appearances for the Spanish outfit in all competitions.

This season, the 22-year-old has scored three times in 18 appearances in all competitions, and Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is believed to be an admirer.

Madrid have been strongly linked with a move for the defender in recent days, and Firpo has revealed his affection for the European champions.

"I'm closer to Real Madrid as my father is a Madridista," Junior told Cuatro. "We watched them on TV when we first arrived in Spain and for that reason I've always felt stronger about them."

Firpo is believed to have a £45m buy-out clause in his current Betis contract.