La Liga side Real Betis want to complete a permanent deal for Leeds United midfielder Marc Roca with the Spaniard impressing on loan – but the Europa League side want left-back Junior Firpo, too.
Roca, 26, was one of eight senior players to leave on loan in the summer and has starred for Betis. He’s started 16 of Betis’ 18 games in all competitions, including four Europa League matches. Scored four.
Roca himself admitted that he is in talks with Betis over a permanent deal, while Mundo Deportivo say a deal is to be done for £10.5m. But, if Leeds fail to get promoted to the Premier League, the fee reduces.
It would be no surprise to see Roca sign for Betis permanently. What has come out of the blue as such, is that Betis also want to sign Firpo. The left-back has managed one outing so far this term, after injury.
He might well start on Friday night, with Sam Byram recovering from a hamstring injury. Firpo of course, played for Betis before moving to Barcelona. Betis are after a left-back with their options diminishing.
Javi Galan – a player linked with Leeds during the Premier League era and is now at Atletico Madrid – is Betis’ plan A. But, Firpo is a secondary option. It is claimed he would be interested in returning to Betis.
Certainly, Firpo has failed at Leeds and the chance to return to a club where he showed his best form would surely appeal to him. If Leeds were offered a solid fee for Firpo – then surely, we accept a bid.
Get his wages off the wage bill and bring in a solid fee for his services, even if it means we take a loss on the left-back. It is unclear if he has a relegation loan clause, or that was only active during the summer.
