West Ham United’s ‘greater economic muscle’ could give them an edge over AC Milan for Barcelona defender Junior Firpo.
That’s according to Sport, who double down on the suggestion the Hammers have an advantage over the Italian side in the race for the left-back.
The Spanish newspaper reported yesterday that West Ham are keen on the full-back and could present a ‘more attractive economic offer’ than their Italian counterparts.
Today, they explain that Barcelona and Milan are continuing their negotiations for the left-back to join the Serie A side on loan, but there are ‘obstacles’ stopping it being finalised.
The two clubs want to find an agreement this month as the player is out of favour under Ronald Koeman and agree that the initial loan deal should cost €1m.
However, there are two pitfalls blocking the move, the type of purchase clause and the final amount that would be worth.
Barcelona want the clause to be mandatory and worth €25m, but Milan would prefer it to be €20m and simply an option that they can decide on at the end of the season.
Barça are reluctant to accept any deal that won’t ensure money at the end of the season and, as such, value other offers that have arrived for Firpo.
One of them is from West Ham, who, Sport say, have ‘greater economic muscle’ than their Italian counterparts and therefore could do the sort of deal that Barcelona are looking for.
