Brighton lined up for transfer battle with Atletico Madrid – Seagulls already in contact

As Argentine outlet TyC Sporrs today writes about the future of Boca Juniors star Valentin Barco, we get to see Brighton & Hove Albion named quite a few times.

The reason for their story is claims from Spain that Atletico Madrid have joined the race for the midfielder, with El Chiringuito saying Diego Simeone wants the signing.

TyC Sports first names Brighton claiming they’re still in the race. Then they recall that Barco was close to leaving Boca Juniors in the summer, when the Seagulls made an approach for him.

Then in a third mention, the outlet states that Roberto De Zerbi’s side are actually the only club who have directly contacted the Argentine club for the transfer, making a couple of offers which were rejected.

The big reason why Barco stayed at Boca Juniors this year was their Copa Libertadores campaign.

They lost the final earlier this month, so there’s not a lot holding him there anymore. The release clause stands at only US$10m, and with many clubs in the battle, it seems more like a matter of convincing the player they’re the best option.