Leicester City have been dealt a transfer blow as the January transfer window approaches.
Brighton are willing to pay the release clause to sign Valentin Barco, according to Augusto Cesar.
The Seagulls are interested in signing the 19-year-old during the winter transfer window and are willing to pay the full €10 million (£8.5 million) release clause in his contract.
The youngster has earned a positive reputation for his performances for Boca Juniors, but he has put speculation about his future on hold as he focuses on the club’s efforts to win the Copa Libertadores.
Now that the competition is over, with Boca losing in extra time to Brazilian side Fluminense in the final, he will make a decision about his next step in his career.
Leicester City transfer updates
Manchester City’s pursuit of the teenager was set to benefit Leicester, with the Premier League champions also interested in the defender.
It was reported that City intended to buy the full-back in January and then loan him to Enzo Maresca’s side for the rest of the season.
However, it is now looking increasingly likely that this plan will not be implemented, much to the chagrin of the Italian coach.
Barco’s contract is set to expire in a year, so it is expected that Boca Juniors will cash in on him in January.
The defender has also represented Argentina at the U20 level, appearing twice for the national team.
A move to Europe would be a significant step forward in his career, but it appears that he will not be doing so at the King Power Stadium.
Brighton have built a reputation for excellent recruitment in recent years, and another promising young player is set to join them at the Amex Stadium.
Leicester City’s Championship table position
Leicester are currently leading the Championship table after 19 games, with Maresca receiving a lot of praise for his work with the club thus far.
The Foxes are unbeaten in their last three games and lead Ipswich Town by one point as the season nears its halfway point.
Leeds United are eighth in the table, eight points behind Leeds United, giving Maresca’s side a comfortable lead over the chasing pack outside of the automatic promotion places.
After being relegated in the previous season, the Leicestershire club will be aiming to return to the Premier League at the first attempt.
The team’s next game is against Plymouth Argyle on December 9th.
Would Valentin Barco have been a good addition to Leicester’s squad?
If some of England’s biggest clubs are interested in signing Barco, he must be a special talent.
A loan move to Leicester would have been beneficial, as the team could use more defensive cover at full-back.
However, it would have only been a temporary solution to the problem.
In reality, given their track record, a move to Brighton is quite enticing for young players, so it is no surprise that he appears to be on the verge of joining the Seagulls.
