Report: ‘Effervescent’ £38k-a-week left wing-back wants January move amid West Ham links

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Reported West Ham United target Junior Firpo is actively looking to leave Barcelona this month, according to ESPN and Sport.

The Hammers were initially linked with the 24-year-old defender just after Christmas, while MD subsequently reported that the two clubs made contact over the player, albeit “nothing concrete”.

Earlier this week, ESPN claimed that West Ham would be willing to sign Junior, who cost Barca around £16.5million from Real Betis in 2019 and is reportedly on £38,000-a-week.

However, it was reported by the outlet that the Hammers cannot guarantee him first-team football, with Aaron Cresswell performing well at left-back for David Moyes’ side.

ESPN also added that Junior wants to leave the Camp Nou, a claim corroborated by Sport, which reckons that the upcoming Copa del Rey game against will serve as a shop window for the player.

Junior has made 33 appearances for Barca in all competitions, including 10 this season.

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Although a striker is Moyes’ priority this transfer window, a good left-back / left wing-back would also be a good shout, and Junior is certainly a player of high-calibre who’d do just that.

Not only would he be able to fill in for Arthur Masuaku while he’s out injured, but the “effervescent” player (Marca via Sky Sports) is also a big improvement on the 27-year-old.