Fabrizio Romano drops new update on Leeds United’s Junior Firpo after Lyon and AC Milan talks

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Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on the future of Leeds United left-back Junior Firpo.

The 28-year-old’s Leeds United contract expires at the end of this month, with Junior Firpo still weighing up his decision and Firpo in talks with Leeds over a new deal at Elland Road.

He has been contracted to the club for four years now, but Firpo has pulled out of international duty amid concerns regarding his Leeds future.

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Fabrizio Romano confirms Junior Firpo interest from Real Betis

Firpo’s agents say remaining at Leeds is ‘unlikely’ currently, and former club Barcelona could be a potential destination for Firpo, as well as AC Milan.

A number of Europe’s biggest names have registered interest, with Lyon said to have offered Firpo a contract and Lazio have also shown an interest in taking Firpo on a free transfer.

Firpo joining Lazio now looks unlikely, which means one club is out of the frame, but uncertainty remains after four years with the club. Graham Smyth expects Firpo’s contract length to be an issue.

The latest is regarding another of his former sides, in the form of Real Betis. At one stage, Betis were deemed ‘close’ to landing Firpo’s signature. Now, Fabrizio Romano claims he could return to the Benito Villamarin Stadium.

Betis have approached two former players over a return, including Alex Moreno of Aston Villa. The 32-year-old spent last season on loan with Nottingham Forest.

Betis qualified for the Europa League under Manuel Pellegrini and Firpo would be re-joining Los Verdiblancos where he made 43 appearances, scoring five and assisting seven.

Firpo sent Betis a good luck message ahead of facing Chelsea in the UEFA Conference League final, showing the affinity and admiration he has for the club remains in his heart.

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Possible Junior Firpo replacements being lined up by Leeds

Firpo might not be the only full-back to depart the club this summer. Sam Byram is also expected to leave Leeds, with the academy graduate out of contract.

Meanwhile, Isaac Schmidt is said to be open to offers to leave Leeds in the coming months, having featured so infrequently.

Max Wober is also expected to depart Leeds despite promotion, meaning the Whites will need multiple full-backs this summer. Indeed, Leeds have already been linked with six left-backs.

They include West Ham United’s veteran defender Aaron Cresswell, as well as Wales skipper Ben Davies, and Liverpool’s Greek defender Kostas Tsimikas.

It’s possible that two or more will be brought in, given the need to have depth in the position. Either way, it appears Firpo’s chances of remaining a Leeds player are growing slimmer by the day.