Real Betis are ready to join the potential hunt for Brighton and Hove Albion youngster Valentin Barco and rival Sevilla for a ‘market opportunity’.
That’s according to Estadio Deportivo, who say the Spanish duo are ‘very attentive’ to the situation around him and the possibility of grabbing a bargain this summer.
Reports today have indicated that Barco could be allowed to leave Brighton on loan in the summer for experience elsewhere, having struggled to establish himself since arriving from Boca Juniors in January.
Sevilla were thrown in as potential suitors after that as director of football Victor Orta looks for low-cost options to bolster his squad, and now Betis can be added to the line of admirers too.
They will be in need of a new signing at left-back this summer as Juan Miranda is leaving on a free and Abner Vinicius is leaving for Lyon.
Nicolas Tagliafico is on their radar but Manu Fajardo, the club’s sporting director, is looking around the market and Barco would be a suitable option.
He, like Victor Orta at Sevilla, is a ‘great admirer’ of the player and both would be more than happy to take him on loan, especially if they can negotiate a purchase clause too.
That will depend on Brighton and Estadio do say that they’re giving preference to sides in the Premier League and Championship for now, although the fact the youngster speaks Spanish could mean a move to La Liga would make more sense.
There’s a decision to be made but Betis and Sevilla are positioning themselves, ready to make their move for the youngster should Brighton make him available.
