Barcelona 'cool Junior Firpo interest'

Barcelona have reportedly taken a step back in their pursuit of Real Betis defender Junior Firpo.

The Spanish champions have been strongly linked with a move for the 22-year-old over the last few weeks.

Firpo is believed to have made it clear to Betis that he wants to join the Catalan outfit this summer.

However, according to Mundo Deportivo, Barca have cooled their interest in the former Spain Under-21 international as the club are not prepared to meet his asking price, which currently stands at £23m.

Ernesto Valverde's side are in the market for a new left-back this summer to provide competition for Jordi Alba during the 2019-20 campaign.

Manchester United and Liverpool have also both been linked with Firpo, who scored three times in 29 appearances for Betis last season.