Barcelona had a plan of using Alex Baldé as a backup left-back for the second half of the season if they were successful in placing Junior Firpo at another club in the winter market.
West Ham United have been frequently reported as a suitor in the Catalan press this month.
Southampton have now become the latest club to show interest in the 24-year-old. That’s what Marca are reporting today. The report’s title ‘Southampton bid for Junior’ gets to the point quickly.
Within the report, it’s explained the Saints, AC Milan and Granada have ‘moved closer’ to take the defender. Ralph Hasenhüttl’s side even offered a ‘million euros’, most likely for a loan deal, and are also ready take care of his salary.
However, a potential move been blocked due to Manchester City’s Eric García.
Pep Guardiola’s man has been the centre of the ongoing tension between Barca presidential candidate Joan Laporta and Carles Tusquets, the chairman of the managing committee.
García’s signing is a request of Ronald Koeman in the winter market and the Dutchman wants his club to work out a cut-price deal to sign the City defender.
However, Laporta is opposing his arrival in the ongoing window since he can be signed for free in the summer.
Marca state Laporta’s refusal to close the deal to sign García has seen Koeman ‘close the exit door’ to any of his players leaving the Camp Nou. This has so far stopped Junior from joining Southampton or another club this month.
